Toronto FC trades for Chivas USA striker Gordon

Toronto FC has made a deal to try and get some more goals in the lineup.

The Reds sent midfielder Nick LaBrocca, who they acquired in 2010 from the Colorado Rapids, to Chivas USA for American striker Alan Gordon.

Gordon scored 16 goals in 99 games for the Los Angeles Galaxy; he was traded to Chivas midway through last season, and had a goal in eight games.

The salaries are almost a wash. Gordon made just under US$88,000 last season while TFC paid LaBrocca $79,500, according to numbers from the MLS Players’ Union.

With Dwayne De Rosario accounting for a little more than half of TFC’s offensive output in 2010 — and no real striker option emerging in training camp, the Reds have to find someone, anyone, who has some experience in MLS when it comes to putting balls into the back of the net.

“Nick is an extremely intelligent, efficient player who will give us options and depth in the midfield,” said Chivas USA head coach Robin Fraser in a release. “He’s proven himself in this league, and we’re excited to welcome him into the team. At the same time, we’re very sorry to see Alan go, and we’d like to wish him the best of luck in Toronto.”

Gordon scored at BMO Field in 2009, a header off a corner kick in the Galaxy’s 2-1 win over TFC.