A New England Revolution standardbearer is moving on.
The Revs on Wednesday traded 10-year veteran and captain Shalrie Joseph to Chivas USA in exchange for midfielder Blair Gavin, a second-round 2013 SuperDraft pick and allocation money.
The 34-year-old Joseph, who was signed to a Designated Player contract by the Revs in the offseason, has battled nagging injuries this season and has been in and out of the New England lineup, starting 15 of the club's 21 matches in 2012.
“Trading Shalrie was a not a decision we made easily,” Revolution GM Michael Burns said in a club statement. “With this trade, we gain a significant amount of roster flexibility and add a player in Blair Gavin who has great potential, an additional draft pick next year, plus allocation money – all of which provides us options to improve the team."
Taking the Lead: Shalrie Joseph
The 23-year-old Gavin, a technical but oft-injured midfielder out of Akron University, has played with Chivas USA since 2010, registering three goals and five assists in 43 appearances. He has struggled with hamstring injuries that have hampered his career trajectory after a breakout rookie season.
Both the Revolution and Chivas USA are making a push for the fifth and final playoff spots in their respective conferences. The Revs are nine points off the pace, while Chivas USA are seven points away with three games in hand.
“We are very glad to bring Shalrie Joseph to the organization,” said Chivas USA’s general manager Jose Domene in a club statement. “He has been one the most consistent players in this league. He brings his experience and he will help us make that final push for the playoffs and hopefully MLS Cup.”
Joseph, an eight-time MLS All-Star, is expected to play at central holding midfielder or at center back for the Goats. He's the second veteran to join the club in recent weeks after Chivas USA traded for center back Danny Califf on May 17.
The Grenada international, who was drafted by the Revs in 2002 and is the club's all-time career leader in numerous statistical categories, will make a return to Gillette Stadium with his new club at the end of August when Chivas USA visit the Revs (Aug. 29, 8 pm ET).
