SECAUCUS, N.J. - Red Bull New York announced today that they have acquired forward Jean Philippe Peguero from the Colorado Rapids in exchange for forward Thiago Martins, their natural 2007 first round MLS SuperDraft pick and their natural 2007 third round MLS SuperDraft pick. Peguero is a United States green card holder, meaning that he will not count as a Senior International player on the Red Bulls' roster.
"We are excited to add another quality striker to our club," said Red Bull New York head coach Mo Johnston. "Jean Philippe is a strong, quick forward who is very good in the air. He has proven he can score goals in this league and we believe he can contribute to our team immediately."
The 25-year-old Peguero was originally signed by Colorado on March 31, 2004 after having previously played with Don Bosco in his native Haiti. During his first season in MLS, he led the Rapids in scoring by netting seven goals and four assists. He followed that up with a seven goal, six assist performance last season in 26 games of action. The 6-2 forward appeared in two games with the Rapids in 2006 and assisted on one goal thus far.
Peguero- who has made 10 appearances with the full Haitian National Team- is expected to join the Red Bulls in time to be available for Saturday's match with D.C. United.
Thiago Martins made his Red Bulls debut last weekend against Real Salt Lake and logged 11 minutes. He was acquired by the Red Bulls in a trade with Chivas on January 30, 2006. For his career, the 29-year-old Martins has tallied three goals and one assist in 27 MLS matches.
The Red Bulls are currently 0-0-3 in the 2006 campaign and sit in fourth place in the Eastern Conference. They are in action this Saturday, April 22 when they host rival D.C. United at 4:00 p.m. ET at Giants Stadium.
