Major League Soccer

Moore resigns as San Jose general manager; Crew obtains Elliott.

Johnny Moore resigned after two years as general manger of the MLS champion San Jose Earthquakes.

No reason was given for Moore's departure. "I want everyone to know that it has been a great two years for me here," Moore said in a team press release. "I will continue to be a fan of the San Jose Earthquakes."

Moore, 56, became general manager on February 8, 2002, less than four months after San Jose captured its first MLS Cup title by defeating the Los Angeles Galaxy 2-1.

New coach Domenic Kinnear, who was named head coach Wednesday, will assume general manager responsibilities Friday at the MLS draft in Charlotte, N.C. Kinnear served as top assistant for three years to former coach Frank Yallop who left to lead Canada's national team.

Under Yallop, the Earthquakes took their second MLS crown November 23 with a 4-2 decision over the Chicago Fire in the final.

Moore spent four seasons (1974-1977) with the North American Soccer League's San Jose Earthquakes as a player (forward\midfielder) and administrator. After three years as the assistant general manager and player for the Earthquakes, he became the vice president and general manager for the 1977 season.

Moore then left the Earthquakes to play with the Oakland Stompers for his final season in the NASL. He made 12 appearances with the U.S. men from 1971-1976, including four in qualifying for the 1974 World Cup.

Moore went on to play in the Major Indoor Soccer League from 1979-1982 with the Detroit Lightning, San Francisco Fog, Kansas City Comets and Phoenix Inferno. He was inducted into the National Soccer Hall of Fame in 1997.

Meanwhile, negotiations continue for Mexican soccer power Club America to take over operation of the Earthquakes before the start of the upcoming season, according to Club America president Javier Perez Teuffer and MLS commissioner Don Garber. Club America is looking to purchase the San Jose franchise from Anschutz Entertainment Group, which is the owner-operator of five MLS franchises, including the Earthquakes.

"We're trying for 2004,'' Teuffer told the San Jose Mercury-News. "We're making all of the arrangements to come here.'"

Garber said, "I'm pleased with Mr. Teuffer's optimism. . . There have been discussions with AEG and Club America for quite some time. They're proceeding very well. It's not yet finalized and it's premature to say when it will be. But it could be before the start of the season. (It) would be a good thing. ". . . Mexican clubs could have the ability to understand the Hispanic market better than existing owners."

Garber also told the Mercury News if Club America takes over the Earthquakes, he hopes it also can gain operational control of Spartan Stadium. The Earthquakes, who must sign a new lease every year, do not receive revenue from concessions or parking for their games.

Calling the stadium situation "a major issue," Garber said he wanted the investor-operator to pay for stadium renovations in exchange for operational control. "In the long term, we will not be able to stay in a city without a viable stadium situation," he said.

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- The Columbus Crew acquired midfielder Simon Elliott from the Los Angeles Galaxy in exchange for the Crew's 2005 first-round draft pick.

Elliot, 29, a New Zealand native and member of its national team, has been with the Galaxy since joining the league in 1999. He has appeared in 122 regular-season games for L.A., starting 115, and recorded 53 points on 10 goals and 33 assists.

"Simon brings a wealth of experience and grit to our midfield," Crew coach Greg Andrulis said in a team press release. "He has shown he can produce at this level and we are looking forward to his contributions both on and off the field. This is another piece of the puzzle as we build our team for 2004."

The Stanford graduate also appeared in 25 playoff games for Los Angeles, starting 21, producing six assists, and was part of the Galaxy's 2002 MLS championship run.

Elliott has appeared in over 45 games for New Zealand.

"Simon has been a very good player in this league for many years and we are thrilled to add him to our roster," Crew general manager Jim Smith said in the release.