Secaucus, NJ - The MetroStars announced today that they have traded forward John Wolyniec and a portion of an allocation to the Columbus Crew for forward Ante Razov.
Razov, a 10-year MLS veteran, is one of the most prolific offensive players in MLS history. In 168 games, he has netted 78 goals and notched 39 assists for 195 points in his career. After a brief two-year stint as a member of the Los Angeles Galaxy from 1996-1997, he made his mark with the Chicago Fire. Razov is the Fire's all-time leading scorer, having netted 76 goals from 1998-2004. During the Fire's 2000 championship season, Razov posted a career high in goals scored with 18 and scored the game-winning goal in the MLS Cup championship. He was also named an all-star for the first time in his career. In 2003, he was awarded MLS Best XI honors after tallying 14 goals and six assists. He played with the Fire through the 2004 season when, on January 30, 2005, Razov was traded to Columbus for defender Tony Sanneh. He registered one goal and one assist in seven appearances for the Crew this year.
Razov played for five seasons in Chicago under current MetroStars head coach Bob Bradley from 1998 until 2002. On the international level, the 31-year-old Razov has earned 24 caps and scored six goals for the U.S National Team. The UCLA product and Los Angeles native also played one season for Spain's Racing de Ferrol (Second Division) scoring six goals in 19 games during the 2000-2001 season.
"To bring a player as proven and polished as Ante Razov is extremely exciting for our organization and our fans," said MetroStars President and General Manager Nick Sakiewicz. "He is one of the most talented scorers in our league's history and his presence up top will certainly bolster our attack. It will be difficult to see John Wolyniec leave, however. His success last year and in the early stages of 2005 is a testament to the hard work and dedication he has demonstrated throughout his career. The MetroStars thank John for his contributions to the club during his time here and wish him all the best in Columbus."
"We are excited to bring Ante to the MetroStars," said MetroStars head coach Bob Bradley. "His goal scoring ability and his competitiveness will definitely add a great deal to our team. At the same time, I am sorry to see John Wolyniec leave us. He has been a tremendous contributor to the MetroStars over the past two seasons and we all wish him well in Columbus."
Forward John Wolyniec enjoyed a breakout year in 2004 after netting 10 goals for the MetroStars. In his seven-year MLS career, Wolyniec has spent time with the MetroStars (1999, 2003-2005), Chicago Fire (2000-2002), and the New England Revolution where he appeared in one game during the 2001 season. In his career, he has scored 21 goals and notched nine assists. The Staten Island native scored two goals and had three assists in eight games this year for the Metros.
The MetroStars have a two game homestand this week, as they face D.C. United on Sunday, June 12 at Giants Stadium at 6:00 p.m. and then the Columbus Crew on Saturday, June 18 at 7:30 p.m. also at Giants Stadium.
