Earlier today, the San Jose Earthquakes released their first ever Designated Player, Geovanni.

The ex-Hull City striker was released because of his high expenses and his lack of scoring, according to San Jose Earthquakes staff.

The Brazilian was a critical factor in the Earthquakes' late-season push for the playoffs, which was highlighted by a semifinal run before bowing out to the eventual MLS Cup champion Colorado Rapids.

He came in midseason and made an immediate impact in the club's midfield, tallying a goal and three assists in his debut season. 

This has become a more commonplace trend, as clubs begin to emphasize building a core team of inexpensive, hard-working individuals that fit within a club's salary cap, which is currently $2.55 million.

MLS is currently the one of the few premier soccer leagues in the world that implements a salary cap on its clubs. Another notable league is Australia's A-League.

Ever since the DP rule was introduced in 2007, only one club with a DP has won the MLS Cup, the Columbus Crew in 2008. However, 2009 was the only year a club won the MLS Supporters' Shield without a DP. 

Perhaps those statistics of clubs with cheaper rosters and success are what San Jose is trying to mimic next season.

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