Another one bites the dust. Another young Metro player is shipped elsewhere. And this one should sting even more than others -- after all, Juan Agudelo went through our academy, broke through for USA at the age of 17, and has scored some highlight real goals for Metro. And yet...

And yet, Agudelo asked out. And when analyzing this trade, we can't get past that.

Put the blame on Hans Backe for not playing the youngster. Fine. Yet Agudelo's appearance numbers are not inconsistent with other teenagers in MLS (say, Break Shea). And it's not that he wasn't given a chance, yet last year a career journeyman in Luke Rodgers clearly outplayed Agudelo. And this year, Kenny Cooper made him more expendable than it would originally seem.

Agudelo is a talented player, there is no way around that. Some of the goals he has has scored, such as in last season's opener against Seattle, when he fought off a defender and raced downfield, as well as the slick volley against DC, are eternally rewatchable. And yet...

And yet, Agudelo is a player who is known to pout, to complain, to constantly ask for more than others thought he deserved. Blame that on his age if you must.

So now, he gets his wish granted, going off to Chivas USA. In return, Metro gets Heath Pearce, a quality versatile defender whose acquisition should have been more thrilling than it now seems. Plus, there is allocation money and a portion of Agudelo's transfer fee, which will help this franchise in the short and long run.

So Metro gets a starter for a bench player, and Agudelo gets his wish of more playing time. It all looks good on paper.

And yet...