Collateral Damage: Chris Leitch Traded to San Jose.

By: Dave Martinez | March 2nd, 2009

It is the roster compliance deadline for all MLS clubs today; their last chance to get the roster to a solid 24 (or less) players. This does not mean that players still can’t be added through April, it just means that any player movement moving forward will most likely result in a cut to the current roster.

One of the first moves to achieve compliance involves a trade with fellow West Coasters (the Bulls are West Coast Champs, right?!), the San Jose Earthquakes. The Mercury News reports Red Bulls have sent Chris Leitch to San Jose for one of its 8 international slots and allocation money (yes, even MORE allocation money. Metrofanatic just did an article on this very topic).

Leitch proved to be more than a servicable player, especially considering most people thought his signing would be a stop gap for the 2008 season. He stepped in last season when the defense itself could barely hold up, and did his part to strengthen the backlines. Before becoming a Metro, Leitch was doing a good amount of travelling from team to team, offering his services. After establishing himself with the Bulls, his stock has seemingly gone up. To think the Bulls are able to get more money and an international slot for the services of a man that at one point was considered a journeyman; that is a testament to the hardwork of Chris Leitch and Coach Osorio.

Overall, Chris Leitch did his part in what was an improbable 2008 season. Looking forward, his loss will only create more questions for that defensive end of the field. With Leitch gone, and no new signings announced (as of yet), where do the Bulls stand on defense?

BTW – expect more roster announcements later in the day.

img credit: Andrew Zarate