This time the rumors coming out of New York were true. On Tuesday, the New York Red Bulls and the Los Angeles Galaxy completed a trade that sent Todd Dunivant to New York in exchange for an allocation.
It wasn't the first time that Dunivant was linked with a trade to New York. During the preseason the left-sided defender was rumored to be heading east in exchange for Eddie Gaven. That trade never materialized. But on Tuesday morning, the Red Bulls finally got their man, although the decision wasn't an easy one for Galaxy president and general manager Alexi Lalas.
"This is a time where we're looking to improve and that means there is going to be difficult and at times painful decisions," said Lalas. "We felt this was appropriate not only for the short term, but for the long term as well."
Dunivant came to Los Angeles in a trade with San Jose before the start of the 2005 season. Ironically, Lalas was the GM in San Jose when that trade was made. Lalas was also the GM in New York when the original trade for Dunivant fell through. Now in Los Angeles, Lalas says that it's all just happenstance that he was linked in every trade, or trade rumor, involving Dunivant.
"I don't have it in for Todd Dunivant," said Lalas. "He is a quality player. He has a magical left foot, which will always make him attractive to teams."
Like Lalas, the Galaxy's new head coach, Frank Yallop, said that the decision to trade Dunivant wasn't an easy one, but was necessary for the Galaxy to move forward. Trading Dunivant was just the first step in Yallop's plan to re-mold the Galaxy roster to fit his style of play.
"I wanted to have some allocation money to strengthen the team," said Yallop. "The move will be good for Todd and his career. We have a player coming in to cover that position."
Nathan Sturgis will most likely take over the left fullback position, although it is believed that Canadian international Ante Jazic will soon be added to the Galaxy lineup to add depth and competition along the back line. Neither Lalas nor Yallop admitted that his signing was imminent, but both conceded that he was a player of interest.
Dunivant will be missed in the Southland. Since landing in Los Angeles he has been one of the steadiest performers for the Galaxy. Dunivant was the only player to start every regular season game last season and his play earned him a call-up to the U.S. national team by Bruce Arena. Many observers felt that despite his inexperience at the international level, Dunivant was on a short list of players on the bubble for this summer's World Cup team until a hip injury ended those chances.
U.S. World Cup defender Chris Albright bid his former teammate a fond farewell.
"He (Dunivant) does a lot of good things on the field that we're going to miss," said Albright. "Frank (Yallop) and Alexi (Lalas) have some type of vision moving forward and we wish Todd the best."
In addition to moving Dunivant, the Galaxy also waived midfielder Marcelo Saragosa. Since joining the Galaxy before the start of the 2004 season, Saragosa had played in 40 matches.
"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."
Greg Daurio is a contributor to MLSnet.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Soccer or its clubs.
