Numerous Major League Soccer teams announced roster decisions on Wednesday, while two teams made changes in the front office.
The Los Angeles Times reported Chivas USA fired Jose Domene as general manager. The 32-year-old native of Mexico became general manager in 2010 and helped sign Robin Fraser as head coach. Fraser was recently fired as part of major changes throughout the Chivas USA organization during and following the season.
Owner Jorge Vergara said on Nov. 13 that they would have a new coach within seven to 10 days, but no announcement has been made after two weeks.
Toronto FC also formally announced the hiring of Kevin Payne as president and general manager – a move that had been widely reported on Tuesday. Payne had been with D.C. United since 1994.
Wolff Retires from D.C. United to Become Assistant Coach
Josh Wolff, 35, a former U.S. national team forward who spent most of his career in MLS, announced his retirement from D.C. United.
Wolff had officially been a player and assistant coach for United in 2012. He had back surgery during the summer and was unavailable the remainder of the season. He will now become a full-time assistant for head coach Ben Olsen.
Wolff, who began his career with the Chicago Fire, finished with 80 goals and 49 assists in 267 MLS regular season matches. He also had nine goals in 52 caps for the U.S. national team.
Earthquakes, Crew Announce Major Roster Cuts
The Columbus Crew announced they have released seven players: goalkeeper William Hesmer; defenders Julius James, Rich Balchan and Sebastian Miranda; midfielders Chris Birchall and Tony Tchani; and forward Tommy Heinemann.
The biggest names of the group are Miranda and Hesmer. Miranda, 32, had been a key starter since arriving from Chile before the 2011 season.
Hesmer, who has spent the last six years with the Crew, has been considered among the best goalkeeper in MLS when healthy. However, he has had injury problems and missed all of 2012 following hip surgery. The emergence of Andy Gruenebaum, whose contract option was picked up, likely made the decision to cut him easier.
Columbus also picked up the option on goalkeeper Matt Lampson; defenders Josh Williams and Eric Gehrig, midfielders Ethan Finlay, Kevan George, Bernardo Anor and Dilly Duka; and forwards Justin Meram and Aaron Schoenfeld.
The San Jose Earthquakes cut defenders Ike Opara, Romiro Corrales and Tim Ward as well as midfielders Joey Gjertsen and Khari Stephenson.
Corrales, 35, joined the San Jose Clash in 1996 and has spent the majority of his career in MLS. He had been with the Earthquakes since 2008.
Kevin Hartman Leaving FC Dallas?
FC Dallas decided not to offer a new contract to veteran goalkeeper Kevin Hartman, according to a post from agent Ron Waxman on Twitter.
Hartman, 38, has been with Dallas since 2010. He began his career with the LA Galaxy and has played 416 matches – more than any player in MLS history. He was also the first goalkeeper in MLS history to reach 100 career clean sheets.

November 28th, 2012
Matt Thacker