D.C. United announced today the club has acquired defender Gregy Vanney from the Colorado Rapids for defender Facundo Erpen. Vanney, 33, played the full match for Colorado in United's 4-1 victory over the Rapids last night at RFK Stadium.
"We are very excited to be getting such an experienced player who has succeeded at the MLS, French Ligue 1 and U.S. National Team levels," said United Technical Director Dave Kasper. "Greg will provide strong leadership to our back line and we expect a fast and smooth transition for him into our team."
A U.S. international, Vanney has nine years of MLS experience. He joined the Rapids in January 2007 in a trade with FC Dallas and made nine appearances (all starts) this season. Prior to joining Colorado, the Tempe, Arizona native spent two years with FC Dallas, where he made 53 appearances (all starts) and totaling a goal and three assists. From 2002-2005, Vanney was a member of FC Bastia of the French First Division. While with Bastia, he made over 60 appearances and helped the team into the French League Cup final.
Vanney's first stint in MLS began with the Los Angeles Galaxy where he played from 1996-2001. While in LA, he made a total of 168 appearances (158 starts), notching 21 goals and 19 assists. Throughout his entire MLS career, he has played in 30 playoff games (29 starts), totaling five goals and six assists. Vanney is a three-time MLS All-Star (2000, '05 & '06) and was twice named to the MLS Best XI (2000 & '01).
Additionally, Vanney has had an extensive career with the U.S. Men's National Team, earning 37 total appearances. He was selected to the 2002 World Cup squad, but suffered a knee injury a month prior to the tournament and was unable to participate. He made his National Team debut on December 12, 1996 in a World Cup qualifying match versus Guatemala.
Vanney began his collegiate career at Florida International University in 1992, before transferring to UCLA the following year. He was an honorable mention All-American at UCLA in 1995.
"On behalf of the organization, I would like to thank Facundo for all of his contributions during the past two years," added Kasper. "We wish him and his family the best of luck in the future."
Erpen was originally signed by United on August 5, 2005 as a youth international. Over his three seasons with the club he made 49 appearances (all starts) and collected four goals and four assists. He made five total playoff appearances (all starts) and was named as an All-Star in 2006. Prior to his MLS career, Erpen spent time with Talleres de Cordoba (2000-2005) and with Club Juventud Unida de Entre Rios and the youth teams of Boca Juniors (1999-00).
