As first reported by Adam Serrano, the LA Galaxy and Jaime Penedo have agreed to mutually terminate the goalkeeper’s contract. Penedo marks that second player in the month of July that the Galaxy has released. The first was Stefan Ishizaki back on July 4th and this is Penedo becomes the second player to ask for his release from the club.
This comes as a shock to yours truly as he has been instrumental in the Galaxy playing well and was a huge reason they won the 2014 MLS Cup.
Penedo, 33, joined the Galaxy back in August of 2013. He appeared in 61 MLS matches for Los Angeles compiling a record of 29-14-17 (win-loss-tie) with 21 shutouts. So far this season, Penedo was 6-4-6 with five shutouts to go along with 50 saves. On Wednesday, the Galaxy placed him on waivers.
Jaime was named MLS Player of the Week back in week six when he single-handedly beat the Seattle Sounders. If it were not for his efforts against the Sounders on that Sunday afternoon game in Carson, CA, the Galaxy have for sure lost that match. His goal was peppered with 14 shots, ten on frame. He made numerous point blank saves against Lamar Neagle and Andy Rose.
Penedo is coming off a 2015 Gold Cup that saw Panama finish third after being the United States in the third place game on July 25th in Chester, PA. He has been a member Panama’s national team since 2003 and was named the CONCACAF Gold Cup Top Goalkeeper in 2005 and 2013. He was also named to the Tournament Best XI in 2005 and 2013.
It appears that the Galaxy is comfortable with their backup goalkeeper in Brian Rowe even though he is coming off a game where he let in three goals against the Houston Dynamo. Not exactly an offensive juggernaut.
One has to wonder why the two have decided to go separate ways. It makes you wonder if there was an issue with Penedo and the coaching staff or maybe the Galaxy have their eyes one someone else and are looking to make a splash before the transfer window closes on August 6th.
Stayed tuned to VAVEL USA for continuing coverage on the situation.