CARSON, Calif. (Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2014) – The LA Galaxy announced today that the club has declined contract options of midfielder Rafael Garcia, forward Chandler Hoffman, goalkeeper Brian Perk and defender James Riley. All four players will be available for selection the in 2014 MLS Re-entry Draft on Friday, Dec. 12 and Thursday, Dec. 18.
Garcia, 25, was selected by the Galaxy in the second round (38th overall) of the 2012 MLS Supplemental Draft. In three years with the Galaxy, he made 11 appearances for the club and started in one match. This season, Garcia served as the captain for LA Galaxy II in USL PRO, playing in 23 games.
Hoffman, 24, was acquired by the Galaxy in a trade with the Philadelphia Union in March 2013. Originally selected with the 13th pick of the 2013 MLS SuperDraft by Philadelphia, Hoffman made eight appearances for the Galaxy in 2014. He led Galaxy II in goals this year with 13 during the regular season.
Perk, 25, was claimed by the Galaxy off waivers from the Philadelphia Union in August 2010. He made seven MLS appearances in five years with the Galaxy. This year in USL PRO, Perk played in five games with Galaxy II.
Riley, 32, was signed by the Galaxy ahead of the 2014 season and went on play in four games, starting in three, as the MLS veteran’s season was hampered by an ACL injury.
Additionally, the Galaxy announced that they have waived defender Kyle Venter, a second round selection in the 2014 MLS SuperDraft. He appeared for Galaxy II in USL PRO this season, but did not record any MLS minutes with the Galaxy
The Re-Entry process will consist of players at least 23 years of age with a minimum of three years of MLS experience whose options were not exercised. In addition, players out of contract who have not received a Bona Fide Offer and who are at least 25 years of age with a minimum of four years of MLS experience, and/or players at least 30-years-old with a minimum of eight years of MLS experience are included.
Clubs must exercise the option for, or extend a Bona Fide Offer to, all players selected in Stage One. Players that were out of contract may either accept or reject the Bona Fide Offer. Should a player reject the offer, the drafting club will hold the right of first refusal for that player in MLS. Players with option years left on their contract will automatically be added to the drafting club’s roster.
