MLS
Gaven Traded to Columbus for Buddle
By Shane Killian
March 28, 2006
Eddie Gaven will look for a fresh start in Columbus
Eddie Gaven has been rumored to be on the trading block for several months and today he was finally moved from his hometown team to the Columbus Crew in exchange for troubled forward Edson Buddle.
Gaven's form dropped dramatically last season. He is a player who, after recording seven goals and seven assists in 2004, appeared to be on the verge of establishing himself on the national team and possibly competing for a spot in Germany.
Now, after a poor 2005 season, he's barely on manager Bruce Arena's radar. Gaven, still only 19, still has a long career ahead of him and plenty of time to turn things around. Perhaps a change of scenery will do him some good.
Buddle is another player who could use a fresh start. The 24-year-old forward has had injury and personal problems during his young career but has still managed 42 goals in 106 games. He had nine goals in 2005 but was suspended for violating the league's substance abuse and behavioral health policy.
Buddle will give the Red Bulls the forward they've been searching for and he could form a lethal partnership with Youri Djorkaeff. The Red Bulls have been in search of some offense, having been shutout in their last three preseason matches.
The Crew found Buddle expendable due to the presence of striker John Wolyniec and first round SuperDraft pick Jason Garey from The University of Maryland.
Also in the deal, The Crew acquired the rights to defender Chris Leitch. Leitch appeared in 72 games for New York over three seasons and in 2005 he was the team's Defender of the Year.