The Colorado Rapids and D.C. United pulled the trigger on a swap of defenders Friday, with Facundo Erpen headed to the Rocky Mountains and Greg Vanney on his way to the nation's capital.
Erpen is a dynamic defender who has shown a penchant for taking long-range shots, but at the same time, he has been prone to errors at the back. Vanney, meanwhile, brings loads of experience to United. The players faced each other Thursday night as United defeated the Rapids 4-1 at RFK Stadium.
Erpen joined United in August 2005, starting eight games for the club that year as they went on to finish in second place in the Eastern Conference but fell to the Chicago Fire in the conference semifinals. He made a further 41 appearances for United since then, starting all of them.
Last year, Erpen showed the offensive side of his game scoring three times and tallying two assists. The Argentinean center back earned himself a start in the 2006 Sierra Mist MLS All-Star Game against Chelsea FC.
United gain leadership by trading for Vanney, a veteran of eight MLS seasons. Vanney also played four years with FC Bastia of France's Ligue 1 and is former U.S. international.
"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."
Vanney played his first six professional seasons with the Los Angeles Galaxy, making 168 appearances for the club. A dangerous weapon on free kicks, Vanney has scored 21 goals and registered 19 assists throughout his MLS career. He has been named an MLS All-Star three times and has been selected to the league's Best XI twice.
Friday's trade is the second in a little over six months for Vanney. On draft day this January, the Rapids acquired Vanney from FC Dallas. He played a total of nine matches for Colorado.
In another trade executed Friday, the Los Angeles Galaxy sent Santino Quaranta to the New York Red Bulls, getting a conditional fourth round pick in the 2008 MLS SuperDraft in return.
The Galaxy's decision to trade Quaranta was solely for salary budget reasons, according to Galaxy general manager Alexi Lalas.
Quaranta is in his seventh season in the league. The former U.S. youth international has played 80 careers, tallying 17 goals and 13 assists.
Jason Halpin is a contributor to MLSnet.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Soccer or its clubs.
