The Los Angeles Galaxy have acquired former MLS Rookie of the Year Kyle Martino and forward John Wolyniec from the Columbus Crew in exchange for forward Joseph Ngwenya and midfielder Ned Grabavoy, the club announced today. In addition, the Galaxy has waived veteran defender Brian Dunseth. Martino and Wolyniec, who are expected to arrive in Los Angeles late tonight, will be available for Saturday's match vs. Real Salt Lake.
"This trade makes us more competitive and will help us to continue to give our fans the Galaxy team that they expect and deserve," said L.A. Galaxy President and General Manager Alexi Lalas. "John Wolyniec is a man, and right now this team needs more men. He is big, strong and will run through a wall for you and I know he is licking his chops right now to score goals for the Galaxy. Kyle Martino is a dynamic and exciting player, and a change of scenery is going to do him good."
Martino comes to the Galaxy after four successful seasons in Columbus, where he played in a total of 106 games with the Crew and was named an MLS All-Star in 2003 and the 2002 MLS Rookie of the Year. Martino has scored 10 goals and registered 19 assists in his MLS career, while appearing in six games in 2006, scoring one goal.
"Kyle brings a vibrant personality to our midfield and an excellent feel for the game," said Galaxy head coach Steve Sampson. "We feel that he is a versatile player that can come to this team and immediately help us."
The 25-year old midfielder is known as a creative and crafty playmaker that has already racked up the seventh most assists in Crew history. A former University of Virginia star, Martino has made eight appearances for the U.S. National Team and has scored one goal for the United States.
"I am just extremely excited," Martino said. "When I was in the draft I was hoping to have this opportunity to play here. To make it to L.A. and be able to play for a championship organization, I am just extremely exited and looking forward to getting started."
Wolyniec is an eight-year MLS veteran who is joining his fifth MLS team. The 29-year old forward has played in 107 MLS games, scoring 24 goals and registering 10 assists. A physical forward, Wolyniec struck for a career-high 10 goals in 2004 while playing for New York.
"John is a strong and tough player who will add a lot of depth to our forward line," Sampson said. "He is a hard-working and goal-dangerous finisher who I am confident will make it difficult for other teams to play against."
The Fordham University product has made two appearances with the U.S. National Team and has appeared in one game this season with Columbus. Wolyniec made his MLS debut with New York in 1999 and has also played with the Chicago Fire (2000-2002) and New England Revolution (2001).
"I am really excited," Wolyniec said. "To get a chance to play with the champions and to be a part of a team that won a double last year, is a great opportunity. I am really happy to join the team and am looking forward to helping the team in any way that I can."
Ngwenya, 25, appeared in 40 games for the Galaxy from 2004-2006, joining the club as a rookie from Coastal Carolina and scoring four career MLS goals. Grabavoy, 22, joined the Galaxy in 2004 from Indiana University. Grabavoy scored one goal and registered six assists in 34 career MLS games. Dunseth, 29, was acquired by the Galaxy on April 16, 2005 from Chivas USA for a third round pick in the 2007 MLS Supplemental Draft. The 10-year MLS veteran did not see action for L.A. in 2006.
"I would like to thank Joseph, Ned and Brian for all of their contributions to the Galaxy," Sampson said. "All three players have worked extremely hard and represented this club in a professional manner at all times. We wish them all the best in the future."
The defending MLS Cup Champion Los Angeles Galaxy continue the 2006 season on Saturday, May 13 when it hosts Real Salt Lake at The Home Depot Center at 7:30 p.m. For more information or to order tickets, please call the Galaxy toll-free at 1-877-3-GALAXY or visit www.lagalaxy.com.
