FC Dallas has traded Eric Alexander to the Portland Timbers for Jeremy Hall. Alexander was pulled from training this morning by Barry Gorman and speculation began as to a trade.

Hall is a speedy wide defender or midfielder out of Maryland where he won a NCAA title in 2008 while leading the Terps with 14 goals and seven assists. Hall is in his 3rd season in MLS having played two seasons with New York Red Bulls before being traded to Portland this off season.

“Jeremy is a player that I was really fortunate to work with when I went on the Generation adidas trip to Madrid last year,” said Hyndman. “I think he's a solid defender that can play on both sides of the ball, get forward, can serve. He can also go into the midfield and play. I think he'll be well-liked by the team. I think he fits into the mold of what our team's all about.”

Eric Alexander had become a key starter last year for Schellas Hyndman but had fallen down the depth chart this year with the arrivals of Ricardo Villar and Daniel Cruz. A strong two way player who can play both centrally and wide, Alexander had become surplus to requirements and is being moved for more defensive depth.

With the potential loss of George John and the possible move of Zach Loyd to center back, another wide defender makes a lot of sense for Hyndman, particularly one with serious pace and an offensive bent.

“This trade is one that was really made to help our defensive line,” FC Dallas head coach Schellas Hyndman said. “With all the competitions we're in, all the traveling and all the playing we're doing, we felt like we did not have enough depth in our defense. We feel like we have a lot of good midfielders and as much as Eric has contributed to our team, we just feel like we have to protect our defense in case we have injuries or suspensions.”

Jeremy Hall

Position: Defender/Midfielder

Height: 5-11

Weight: 165

Born: Sept. 11, 1988

Hometown: Tampa, Fla.

Previous Club: Portland Timbers

College: University of Maryland

Citizenship: United States