Ante Jazic has been traded by the L.A. Galaxy. But he won’t travel far to report to his new Major League Soccer club.

The Bedford left back was dealt along with two draft picks to Chivas USA for their second-round pick (19th overall). The trade was announced at the MLS SuperDraft in St. Louis on Thursday.

The Galaxy and Chivas USA play their home games at the Home Depot Centre in Carson, Calif., a suburb of Los Angeles.

"I’m actually happy and excited about the trade," Jazic said Thursday evening. "The fact I don’t have to do anything for relocation, the Chivas play in the same city and the same stadium, it will make for a painless transition.

"I’m happy to join a team that plays really good, attractive soccer and I’m thrilled to be able to stay in California."

The 32-year-old Jazic spent three injury-prone seasons with the Galaxy. He appeared in only 15 games last season after undergoing ankle surgery in Dec. 2007.

"Last year with the ankle surgery I missed half of the season so I’m excited about this season," said Jazic, who collected three assists last season. "Training camp starts in about 10 days. I have a full pre-season to get fit which I didn’t have in the last few years."

Jazic said he wasn’t surprised by the trade, adding that the Galaxy have salary cap issues.

"They may have wanted to go with players on decent (salaries) and they had to make adjustments accordingly," Jazic said. "I felt it was time to make a move too. I think both sides are happy."

Chivas USA open their 2009 regular season March 21 at home against Colorado.

By GLENN MacDONALD Sports Reporter - Chronicle Herald