CARSON, Calif. - The Los Angeles Galaxy have traded defender Todd Dunivant to the New York Red Bulls in exchange for an allocation, the team announced today. Dunivant, who helped the Galaxy win the MLS Cup and U.S. Open Cup championships last season, has started and appeared in 13 games with one assist in 2006. The Galaxy also announced that the team has placed midfielder Marcelo Saragosa, who appeared in 40 games for L.A. from 2004-2006, on waivers.
"Todd has been a wonderful player for the Galaxy and we wish him all the best in New York," said L.A. Galaxy General Manager Alexi Lalas. "But, in an effort to improve this team we have to make some difficult decisions and these were only the first ones."
Dunivant, 25, a natural left-sided player, is in his fourth season in Major League Soccer and second with the Galaxy. The club acquired the defender from the San Jose Earthquakes on January 16, 2005, along with goalkeeper Steve Cronin in exchange for forward Alejandro Moreno and the rights to defender Chris Aloisi.
"In order to gain value sometimes you must also give it up and this is one of those trades. By acquiring the allocation, we give ourselves the ability to strengthen our team through the upcoming transfer window," said Galaxy Head Coach Frank Yallop. "I would also like to thank Todd and Marcelo for their days at the Galaxy and wish them all the best in the future."
Dunivant has appeared in 91 regular season matches in his MLS career, starting 88 of them, scoring one goal and contributing nine assists. He has played a total of 8,003 regular season minutes and appeared in seven MLS Cup Playoff games. In 2005, Dunivant played every minute of each of the Galaxy's 32 regular season games and four postseason games, becoming the first player in club history to do so. Dunivant made his first-ever international appearance for the United States on Sunday, January 29, 2006 and was named as an alternate for the 2006 USA World Cup team.
Saragosa, 24, joined the Galaxy on loan from Brazilian club Sao Paulo on March 31, 2004. The midfielder appeared in 26 games for L.A. in 2004 before returning to Brazil following the season. Saragosa re-joined the Galaxy on September 21, 2005 and played in four games for L.A., scoring his only MLS goal. Saragosa started and appeared in 10 games this season for Los Angeles. In his 40 game MLS career, Saragosa registered one assist and one goal. The Campo Grande, Brazil native played in five playoff games for the Galaxy in 2004 and 2005.
"Marcelo has made some excellent contributions to this organization," Lalas said. "I thank him for all of his efforts for the Galaxy and hope that he enjoys the best of luck down the road."
TRANSACTION: Los Angeles Galaxy (MLS) trade D Todd Dunivant to New York Red Bulls in exchange for an allocation. The Los Angeles Galaxy place M Marcelo Saragosa on waivers.