SAN JOSE - The San Jose Earthquakes made a trade to bolster their defense today, acquiring five-year MLS veteran and U.S. National Team defender Danny Califf from the Los Angeles Galaxy in exchange for a portion of one of the team's player allocations.
"We are glad to bring in another experienced MLS defender who will help the team and our defense for the 2005 season,' said Earthquakes head coach Dominic Kinnear. "Danny is a good player who has been a part of winning teams in the past, and we are excited to add a top-flight defender to our roster."
Califf, 25, has appeared in a total of 103 games for the Galaxy in his MLS career, scoring five goals and registering four assists. In 19 playoff appearances, the Montclair, Calif. native has scored three goals. Drafted sixth overall by the Galaxy in the 2000 MLS SuperDraft, Califf has developed into one of the stingiest and toughest defenders in MLS, helping to anchor a Los Angeles defense that won the 2002 MLS Cup and 2001 U.S. Open Cup. The University of Maryland product is entering his fifth season in MLS after an injury-plagued 2004 limited him to a career-low of 13 games played.
"I am looking forward to joining the team," said Califf. "I have played with a lot of guys on the team, including the general manager. They are all quality people and I am excited to get up there and start playing."
Prior to his injury last season, Califf began to see regular action in central defense for the U.S. National Team. He started and played in nine games for the U.S. in 2003, and was a member of the squad for the 2003 Confederations and Gold Cup. Califf has made 12 total appearances for the national team, scoring his first international goal in his only game of 2004, a 1-1 tie against Haiti.
"As a defender, Danny Califf brings a bark and bite that sends forwards running home to mom," said Earthquakes President & General Manager Alexi Lalas. "As a person, he brings a personality and charm that can make a mom come running to him."
A strong and skilled defender who dominates the air, Califf was a member of the 2000 United States Olympic Team, helping the squad to a fourth place finish. Throughout his career, Califf has been a star in the U.S. Youth National Team system, making an impact at the Under-23, Under-20 and Under-17 level.
In order to comply with MLS roster rules, the Quakes have re-classified defender Kevin Goldthwaite as a developmental player.