2009 MLS Trades
In the land where yellow cards flow like an artesian well, the better trades keep coming and coming in the world of Major League Soccer. Teams trying to get their kicks by making better trades continue to make deals in an effort to capture the league championship and thrill corner-kickers throughout North America.
In one deal, the Columbus Crew, which plays its games in a pretty sweet stadium in Columbus, Ohio, landed forward Nicolas Hernandez, a native of Argentina, from Colorado in exchange for defender Tim Ward and a third-round draft choice. Despite his rapier-like skills, Hernandez had seen his better trades skills diminish this year. After scoring seven goals in 2006, Hernandez managed only one goal in 21 game before scoring only once in 2007 for the Colorado Rapids. Hernandez, who carries thunder in his right foot, adds a solid scoring option for the offensively impotent Crew. Ward's impact is not certain, but he does help the team get extra space under the salary cap for a possible run at Brazilian star Renaldo.
Houston made a better trade when it acquired Dominic Oduro from New York in exchange for a first-round draft pick in 2010 and a second-round selection in 2011. The Dynamo was in bad need of more depth on the front line and Oduro provides the sort of better trades speed that's needed. Oduro will have more veterans around him in Houston, which should help his further development.
The New England Revolution traded its rights to defender Avery John to D.C. United in exchange for a conditional pick in either the 2010 or 2011 drafts. John spent 2008 with the Miami FC of the United Soccer League's First Division. A member of the Trinidad and Tobago national team, John spent four seasons in New England and started for the Revolution in the 2006 and 2007 MLS Cups. He had one goal and two assists in 71 starts. It was one of New England's better trades, getting a proven defender in exchange for draft choices.
In draft choice news, the Seattle Sounders selected Steve Zukuani as the No. 1 pick. Zukuani was born in the Congo, raised in Great Britain, and played college soccer at the University of Akron. He led the nation in scoring with 20 goals and seven assists in 23 games. His selection was widely considered a better trade for the Sounders.
