OFFICIAL: Gabriel Farfan Traded To Chivas USA

In what was a shocking move to most, based on immediate reaction on social media sites, the Philadelphia Union sent Gabriel Farfan to Chivas USA in a deal that netted a potentially high draft pick in 2014 and some cash.

The Union will receive Chivas USA's natural first round selection in the 2014 Major League Soccer SuperDraft and an undisclosed amount of allocation money. Due to team and league policies, the allocation money figure will not be released.

Chivas USA have struggled to find form this season, although they initially impressed at the beginning of the season under new head coach Jose ("Chelis") Luis Sanchez Sola. With only 11 points after 10 games, Chivas USA are currently on pace to finish fifth to last overall in MLS, meaning that the Union could possibly hold a top five draft selection in 2014.

Union head coach John Hackworth coached Farfan at the youth international level and had used the midfielder as a utility player on the left side of the field. Hackworth started Farfan at left back during the Union's 1-0 win over the Fire last Saturday, due to Sheanon William's suspension, which moved Raymon Gaddis to right back.

Already without much depth in the back, Philadelphia's decision to trade Farfan will leave the team with only Gaddis, Williams and recently returnee from injury Matt Kassel as full backs on roster, plus Don Anding, who is on loan with the Harrisburg City Islanders.

Farfan was originally acquired by the Union as an undrafted free agent, when the former United States youth international left Club America's (Mexico) reserve squad because he was unable to break into the first team after two years with the club. He joined his twin, Michael Farfan, on Philadelphia during the 2011 preseason after he impressed during a trial.

In 51 appearances, 43 of those starts, Farfan scored one goal and assisted on three more, during 3,882 minutes of time on the field.