CARSON, CA - Los Angeles Galaxy President and General Manager Doug Hamilton announced today that the Galaxy has opened a developmental roster spot by sending Nike Project-40 defender Ricky Lewis to the Colorado Rapids. In exchange, the Galaxy acquired the Rapids' sixth round draft pick in the 2005 MLS SuperDraft.
"On behalf of the club, we wish Ricky well and look forward to his continued contributions to the league," said Hamilton. "This is a move that provides us immediate flexibility as we continue to build our team for the playoff run. We anticipate adding a player following the A-League playoffs."
The L.A. Galaxy selected Lewis in the second round of the 2003 MLS SuperDraft (20th overall) from Clemson University. In two seasons with the L.A. Galaxy, Lewis played in 26 games, making 15 starts and registering 1,653 minutes on the field. He earned his first career points in 2004, assisting on Alejandro Moreno's goal on June 5 and Carlos Ruiz's game-winning goal on July 4. During his rookie season of 2003, he played in 13 regular season matches, started seven and played a total of 798 minutes.
Lewis, a native of Spring, Texas, was a member of the U.S. Under-23 National Team that competed in the CONCACAF Qualifying Tournament for the Olympic Football Tournament Athens 2004. He started and played three qualifying games, earning one assist on Kyle Beckerman's 47th minute strike against Honduras. After winning Group A in the CONCACAF Qualifying Tournament in Mexico, Lewis and his U.S. Under-23 national team lost a difficult match to their biggest regional rival Mexico, 4-0, missing out on a berth in Athens. In Group A competition, the U.S. squad won all three matches, defeating Panama (4-3), Canada (2-0) and Honduras (4-3) to advance to the semifinals.
The Los Angeles Galaxy return to The Home Depot Center on Saturday, September 11 at 7:00 pm (PT) against the San Jose Earthquakes. The first 10,000 fans 16 and under attending the match will receive a Galaxy Soccer ball.
For more information on season ticket benefits and to purchase your 2004 Los Angeles Galaxy season tickets for The Home Depot Center, please call toll-free 1-877-3GALAXY.
TRANSACTION: L.A. Galaxy trade P-40 defender Ricky Lewis to Colorado Rapids, in exchange for sixth round pick in 2005 MLS SuperDraft.
