LA Soccer News recounts the bizarre series of events that saw L.A. Galaxy forward Hercules Gomez and Ugo Ihemelu traded to the Colorado Rapids in exchange for goalkeeper Joe Cannon. Ihemelu and Gomez, who are roommates, were told at different times. Apparently, L.A. general manager Alexi Lalas told Ihemelu ahead of time, a move Gomez called “unethical.” Gomez said he understood the business side of it, and was flattered that Colorado thought it was worth it to trade Joe Cannon-one of the league’s outstanding goalkeepers-for him. In retrospect Gomez realizes that he was protected from the expansion draft “because they know I still have a little bit of trade value.” Even so, Gomez said that both he and Ihemelu were disappointed to be traded away from the Galaxy. Gomez was a pivotal figure for the Galaxy in winning the American version of “The Double” in 2005. He scored 11 goals in the regular season and six in the Open Cup. This past season he finished with five goals and three assists in 19 MLS starts.