The MetroStars and Columbus Crew executed a trade on Thursday that sends veteran winger Chris Henderson to the Big Apple in exchange for young defender Tim Ward. Additionally, the MetroStars have finalized a deal that brings Scottish winger Peter Canero to the club. He will be classified as one of the club's four senior internationals.
Henderson, a 10-year veteran of the league, joins his fifth MLS team in the deal after finishing the 2005 campaign as a member of the Crew. He made the move to Ohio early last year in a three-way trade that involved D.C. United and his former team, the Colorado Rapids. In 21 appearances for Columbus, Henderson recorded two goals and three assists.
With 285 career appearances in the U.S. top flight, Henderson carries much experience to New York, where he will play under first-year head coach Mo Johnston. But Henderson is no stranger to Johnston, as the two were teammates in 1999 and 2000 with the Kansas City Wizards, winning an MLS Cup title together in the latter campaign.
"I have always liked redheads, so it will be nice to play for two in Mo and Alex (Lalas, MetroStars president and general manager)," said Henderson. "But seriously, I played with Mo in Kansas City and we won a championship together so I know what he is like. I am just really happy to play for an organization that is focused on winning championships. It's going to be a great situation for my family and (me). I am very excited about playing in one of the greatest cities in the world."
Henderson's excitement was shared by the MetroStars front office.
"This move makes us a better team," said Lalas. "Chris Henderson is a man who wanted to come to the MetroStars and we're excited to add a winger of his caliber. We expect him to provide consistent service, something that has been missing from our team."
At 35 years old, the veteran Henderson certainly came at a cost, as the MetroStars dealt one of their most promising young players to the Crew in Ward. Youth international duty and injuries kept Ward from being a season-long contributor in his rookie season, though he was a bright spot in the 13 games he did see. Ward provided three assists, but has yet to notch his first professional goal.
But the MetroStars obviously are looking for improvement in the present day, and a player of Henderson's experience and quality could help the club find what has been so elusive in the club's first decade - a championship.
Henderson ranks seventh all-time in league history in assists with 79, while also adding 48 career goals. He has made 79 appearances with the U.S. national team. He was the youngest member of the U.S. team at the 1990 World Cup in Italy, the first World Cup for the American team in 40 years.
For the Crew, the addition of Ward marks the third defender the team has signed in just two days. Head coach Sigi Schmid added Chilean international Marcos Gonzalez and British-based Ugandan Joel Kitamirike on Wednesday.
After missing the MLS Cup Playoffs in 2005 with the worst record in the Eastern Conference (11-16-5), the Crew are aiming to solidify a defense that allowed 45 goals in 32 games last season. Columbus is also looking to fill in a gap that appeared when veteran defender Robin Fraser announced his retirement at the end of last season.
The MetroStars also saw an aged defender call it quits in the offseason, when Jeff Agoos opted to end his career. Ward was viewed as a possible replacement for the future, but the club has instead gone another direction.
"I am thrilled to be joining the club and the league," said Canero, the club's other acquisition that was announced Thursday. "It's something I have been thinking about for a while. I have been to a few places in America and New York is definitely one of my favorite places to go. It's very exciting for me to go there and work and play for the MetroStars. It's great and I am really looking forward to it."
Canero, joins the club after a successful career in the United Kingdom with stints in both the Scottish and English Premier Leagues. He has also made one appearance for Scotland's national team.
"Mr. Canero is a man in the prime of his career who truly wants to be with the MetroStars," said Lalas. "His signing represents a significant upgrade to our flank play, something that is a priority for 2006."
Canero's countryman Johnston agrees.
"Peter has a great willingness to win and work hard for his team for 90 minutes," he said. "He is very versatile and can play a host of positions. At just 24-years-old he brings great experience from playing in Scotland and England to our club."
Jonathan Nierman is a contributor to MLSnet.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Soccer or its clubs.
