FC Dallas General Manager Michael Hitchcock announced Monday that team has acquired defender Ugo Ihemelu from the Colorado Rapids in exchange for defender Drew Moor, the team's natural second round pick in the 2010 MLS SuperDraft and allocation money.
"Ugo Ihemelu is a talented player with tremendous speed that will be a key member of our back line," FC Dallas Head Coach Schellas Hyndman said. "In my time here, we haven't had that natural right back we have needed and we believe Ugo will provide that for us moving forward. We would also like to thank Drew Moor for his service to this team the past four years and wish him well in Colorado."
Ihemelu has appeared in 20 games and provided two assists this season with the Colorado Rapids. The 26-year-old defender was drafted as the fifth overall pick by the LA Galaxy in 2005 and helped them win the 2005 MLS Cup at Pizza Hut Park by starting in all four playoff games including the championship match versus the New England Revolution. He appeared in 54 games for the Galaxy before being traded to Colorado in 2007. While with the Rapids, Ihemelu has appeared in 63 games and recorded one goal and two assists.
In 2006, Ihemelu earned his first cap with the U.S. National Team as a substitute in the 5-0 whitewashing of Norway on January 29. He made his second appearance with the national team in this year's 3-2 win over Sweden after replacing Michael Parkhurst.
The Nigerian born player grew up in nearby Cedar Hill, Texas and attended the Southern Methodist University where he played under FC Dallas Head Coach Schellas Hyndman. While at SMU, Ihemelu was named to the All-Missouri Valley Conference team in his junior and senior year.
Moor was drafted by FCD in 2005 with the sixth overall pick of the SuperDraft. The 25-year-old defender made 123 appearances, scoring eight goals and totaling two assists.
FCD now owns two first round picks (FCD natural and Toronto's natural), one second round pick (either Toronto's natural or Columbus' natural), two third round picks (FCD natural and Columbus' natural), and one fourth round selection (FCD natural) in the 2010 SuperDraft.
Ugo Ihemelu Professional Career:
2005 - 2006: Los Angeles Galaxy
2007 - 2009: Colorado Rapids
Name: Ugo Ihemelu
Pronunciation: OO-go ee-HEM-meh-loo
Number: 3
Height: 6'0
Weight: 178
DOB: April 3, 1983
Birthplace: Enugu, Nigeria
Hometown: Cedar Hill, TX
Last Club: Colorado Rapids
Nationality: United States
Status: Senior roster
