Follow ex Red Bulls/Metrostars players - Page 22 - TalkSoccer

**Frank Cunha** · 08-08-2005, 10:33 AM

Metrostars signed Eric Quill from Dallas for a 6 draft pick,

http://metrostars.mlsnet.com/MLS/new...=.jsp&team=met

Ricochet · 14-12-2005, 03:55 AM

Ricochet · 14-12-2005, 03:57 AM

Metros might look to deal Gaven

The MetroStars's quest to turn into a winner as quickly as possible led the team to consider making a trade that some might consider extremely risky.

According to sources within Major League Soccer, the Metros had joined a short list of teams lining up to try to acquire former MetroStar Clint Mathis, who wore out his welcome with Real Salt Lake and was traded to Colorado for Jeff Cunningham on Monday. Perhaps almost as alarming as the Metros' renewed interest in Mathis is the word that the Metros had offered highly regarded youngster Eddie Gaven.

The revelation leaves in doubt the future of the 19-year old considered the MetroStars' best shot, albeit a long shot, to make the U.S. World Cup team next summer. Gaven endured a difficult 2005 season, which started strongly but fizzled for several months. Gaven rebounded somewhat at the tail end of the season but there is still some question about whether Metros coach Mo Johnston has Gaven in his plans for 2006.

Why wouldn't Gaven be in the Metros' plans? For the impressive flashes of skill he has shown, Gaven has yet to establish himself at any position. He has worked mainly in the wings the past two years, but appears more comfortable in the middle of the field, an area of strength for the Metros. Gaven has the one-on-one ability and strong finishing skill to still develop into the star he seemed destined to be after earning MLS Best XI honors in 2004, but the Metros may be seizing an opportunity to deal Gaven when his value is highest.

The move could also wind up backfiring on the Metros, much the way the team's decision to trade Ricardo Clark did. Clark enjoyed a strong season for San Jose in 2005 after being traded to make room for French star Youri Djorkaeff. When Gaven is on his game, he can be an offensive terror, but questions about his work rate and toughness persist. He is also still very young. He is only 18 and about to play his fourth MLS season. It would be crazy to think Gaven won't get better, but perhaps the Metros aren't willing to wait any longer for him to fulfill his potential.

Almost as perplexing as the idea that the Metros are looking to deal Gaven is the notion that they were seriously interested in acquiring Mathis. The one-time Mohawk-wearing, goal-scoring former World Cup star became persona non grata in Utah after a terrible 2005 season that saw him score just three goals. Once Real Salt Lake officials let it be known that Mathis was available, and more importantly that the team was willing to take on a large portion of his large contract (approximately $410,000 last season), the MetroStars got involved in discussions. The Rapids have won the race for Mathis for now, but that marriage may not last either. If Mathis is unhappy with the trade and unwilling to play for the Rapids, Colorado could turn around and deal him to the Metros.

The MetroStars' interest in Mathis shouldn't come as a complete surprise. Metros president Alexi Lalas has said over and over that he wants players with personality and few can argue that Mathis is a personality. Part country boy and part party animal, Mathis dazzled Metros fans with his impressive skills during his first two seasons with the club in 2000 and 2001. His final two seasons with the Metros were not as memorable, He ended 2002 by being sent off in a crucial game that contributed to the team missing the playoffs. In 2003, Mathis failed to score in his final nine matches as a MetroStar before leaving for short-lived stint in Germany.

Why would the Metros want another shot at Mathis? Johnston and Mathis had a good relationship during Mathis' previous stint and Johnston surely feels he could get the most out of Mathis. Lalas would also love the chance to have a marketable American player on a roster that has been dominated by foreign stars the past two seasons.

If anything, the team's attempt to land Mathis, coupled with its recent interest in Mike Petke, shows that Lalas and Johnston are eager to shake the team up. Whether that shaking up results in a winner being built is anyone's guess.

Ricochet · 14-12-2005, 04:07 AM

At one point I would have hated it if they traded or sold Gaven but it seems to anymore that he's peeked and he doesn't seem to have the attitude to make himself better. He's got greeat skill but he plays without any passion and it seems to me that he not even trying to get be better. Why hasn't he gotten bigger, he needs to get bigger and stronger, so what the hell is he doing in the offseason, he needs to be working out making himself a better athlete.

Ricochet · 14-12-2005, 04:14 AM

I would trade Gaven in the right deal but not straight up fro Mathis. I wouldn't mind having Mathis but not for Gaven.

Ricochet · 14-12-2005, 04:18 AM

another article thats attached to the link has the Crew shopping Szetela. Iwould like to see him brought back home, he needs a fresh start, this kid is very talented and his game has gone in the wrong direction since he's joined MLS/Crew.