Team Infidel
Forum Spin Doctor
Associated Press
SECAUCUS, N.J. - The New York Red Bulls traded former MVP Amado Guevara to Chivas USA on Monday for a third-round draft pick and a "designated player" slot, which can be used to land an expensive player such as Brazilian superstar Ronaldo or former England captain David Beckham.
The designated player rule, adopted by the league earlier this month, gives MLS teams the ability to acquire players outside the $2 million-per-team salary cap and is meant to draw high-profile stars to the league.
Red Bulls coach Bruce Arena said the move is a bit of a gamble that gives New York the chance to improve in the long run.
"It puts pressure on our organization to find a player that is better than Amado with that slot," said Arena, who coached the American team at the World Cup this summer.
Arena would not speculate on who the Red Bulls would target. Among those thought to be considered for a move to MLS are Ronaldo, Beckham and former U.S. national captain Claudio Reyna.
"We've been in contact with players, agents and clubs in South America and Europe," he said. "We're doing everything we can possible to strengthen this roster. We obviously have players in mind."
After joining the then-MetroStars in 2003 from Honduran club CD Motagua, Guevara played 103 regular-season games with the club in four seasons. He earned MLS MVP honors in 2004, with 10 goals and 10 assists, and had eight goals and five assists this season.
"Amado is a tremendous player and his contribution to our team in the past has been undeniable," Arena said.
Each team initially received one "designated player" roster slot, which can be traded among teams. No team will be allowed more than two designated players.
The trade is one of several moves Arena has made in the last week to try to improve a team that finished 9-11-12 last season and was eliminated in the Eastern Conference semifinals by DC United.
The team traded forward Edson Buddle to expansion Toronto for defender Tim Regan, then placed veterans Steve Jolley, Peter Canero, Chris Henderson and goalkeeper Tony Meola on waivers. The Red Bulls also claimed Eric Denton off waivers from Colorado.