Mendoza, Gomez Potentially Moving

Word is spreading quickly that a pair of MLS players could be on the move in the near future, with one perhaps getting his wish by exiting the league. (And, no, it's not Kenny Cooper.)

Christian Gomez, long ago banished to the bench by Colorado Rapids head coach Gary Smith, could be on his way to FC Dallas, according to Steven Goff. Meanwhile, Luis Bueno writes over at The Touchline that Francisco "Panchito" Mendoza's dream of joining Chivas de Guadalajara full-time is apparently about to come true.

The Rapids initially made a big splash when they traded for Gomez prior to the 2008 season, sending their much-coveted Designated Player slot to DC United in exchange for the 2006 MLS MVP. Following the sacking of head coach Fernando Clavijo, however, Gomez received little playing time. As the season progressed into October, he was sometimes not even included in the team's 18-man roster on gameday, even though he was healthy. He finished the year with 20 appearances (17 starts), scoring three goals with six assists, by far his worst year since joining the league in 2004.

Mendoza, 23, is the last remaining player from Chivas USA's opening day roster back in 2005. He has not been shy about his love for parent club Chivas de Guadalajara, and has practically begged for them to call him back to Mexico in recent months. His wishes partially came true last month when Guadalajara called him in for a brief spell to participate in Interliga, but it was expected he would return to Chivas USA for the 2009 regular season. He has made 111 appearances for the MLS side over the past four seasons (106 starts), scoring five goals with 16 assists.

* photo courtesy ISI Photos