Forward Sergio Galvan Rey has left the MetroStars, signing with Colombian club Atletico Nacional.
"It's quite simple," said MetroStars President and General Manager Alexi Lalas. "We'd love to have him back, but for the 2006 MetroStars, Sergio Galvan Rey is not a maximum salary player. Sergio disagrees."
In two seasons with the Metros, Galvan Rey scored nine goals and notched one assist. Dubbed the "King of Goals" because "Rey" is the Spanish word for "king" and because of his prolific scoring rate during eight seasons with Colombian side Once Caldas, Galvan Rey struggled mightily in his first MLS campaign, scoring just two goals in 2004.
The striker rebounded in 2005 with seven goals, which was good for fourth on the team. However, with his salary over $200,000, the Metros decided to free up their roster and let him leave.
At 32, Galvan Rey will try to recapture the scoring touch that helped him tallying 171 goals in league and Copa Libertadores play while with Once Caldas. Though he was born in Argentina, he also holds Colombian citizenship.
Jason Halpin is a contributor to MLSnet.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Soccer or its clubs.
