Galaxy Land Defender Vanney

The Los Angeles Galaxy have continued their offseason wheeling and dealing, sending midfielder Quavas Kirk to DC United in exchange for veteran defender Greg Vanney, a three-time MLS All-Star.
For Vanney, 33, it marks a return to where his professional career started; he was originally selected by the Galaxy as the 17th overall selection in the 1996 MLS College Draft out of UCLA and made 194 appearances for the club between 1996-2001. Following a three-year stint with French Ligue 1 outfit Bastia, Vanney returned to MLS with FC Dallas in 2005. In 2007, he was traded to the Colorado Rapids, making nine appearances before being traded to DC in June.

"Greg is coming back to our club a stronger and more experienced player," said Galaxy Director of Soccer Paul Bravo. "Ruud and the entire coaching staff are pleased to be acquiring a true professional such as Greg."

General Manager Alexi Lalas echoed those sentiments.

"He's as good as a lot of defenders in this league and he's somebody I know who will bring a level of professionalism that, quite honestly, we need more of."

Kirk, 19, has made 33 appearances over three seasons for the Galaxy. The Generation Adidas product has yet to score a goal in his professional career after showing immense promise at the U-17 level by scoring 22 goals in 53 games. His only goal in a Galaxy uniform came in a 2-0 victory over Roma FC in the Fourth Round of the 2006 U.S. Open Cup.

"Quavas is a versatile player who has solid experience competing in our league," said United General Manager Dave Kasper. "He has terrific athletic qualities and approaches the game with energy and professionalism. We believe he will be a solid contributor for our club and are excited about his future at D.C. United."

United acquired Vanney in exchange for Facundo Erpen last season in hopes of solving the club's defense problems. However, his higher salary and advancing age made him less of an option for the team this season, especially after D.C.'s recent South American additions.

Kirk's salary ($111,000 in '07) won't count towards the salary cap as he is still a Generation Adidas player. Since United had little intention of re-signing Vanney, by trading the out-of-contract player to Los Angeles, D.C. has added a young prospect to their roster at literally no cost to the club.