San Jose deals defender Guerrero to D.C. United

D.C. United shored up its left side with a trade on Thursday morning, acquiring Honduran international Ivan Guerrero from the San Jose Earthquakes, according to The Washington Post. In return, the Quakes receive a partial allocation.

The 30-year-old Guerrero, who spent three years with Chicago before being waived and picked up by San Jose in the offseason, had one goal in 14 appearances for the Earthquakes this year. But with his high salary of $147,000 and the recent acquisition of left winger Arturo Alvarez from FC Dallas, Guerrero became expendable.

United, on the other hand, needed to do something to inject some fresh life into the campaign. The side, which started the season poorly and then did well to get back into contention, have lost its last four games in a row. The three-week absence of playmaker Marcelo Gallardo to a sports hernia has hit the club particularly hard.

Guerrero won't replace Gallardo, who should make his return within a week following hernia surgery in Germany. But the Honduran is equally comfortable at left wing or as a left back will be available for this weekend's match with Kansas City. United have struggled with injuries on the left side, particularly to Brazilian winger Fred.

-- Goal.com