The struggling Los Angeles Galaxy has acquired former MLS Rookie of the Year Kyle Martino and forward John Wolyniec from the Columbus Crew in exchange for forward Joseph Ngwenya and midfielder Ned Grabavoy. In addition, the Galaxy has waived veteran defender Brian Dunseth and the Crew waived New Zealander Duncan Ougton.
ôThis trade makes us more competitive and will help us to continue to give our fans the Galaxy team that they expect and deserve,ö said L.A. Galaxy President Alexi Lalas. ôJohn Wolyniec is a man, and right now this team needs more men. He is big, strong and will run through a wall for you and I know he is licking his chops right now to score goals for the Galaxy. Kyle Martino is a dynamic and exciting player, and a change of scenery is going to do him good.ö
Martino played 106 games with the Crew. He has made eight appearances for the U.S. national team. Wolyniec, 29, is an eight-year MLS veteran who is joining his fifth MLS team. He struck for a career-high 10 goals in 2004 while playing for New York. The Fordham product has made two appearances with the U.S. national team.
Ngwenya, 25, appeared in 40 games for the Galaxy, joining the club from Coastal Carolina in 2004. Grabavoy, 22, also joined the Galaxy in 2004 from Indiana University. Grabavoy scored one goal and registered six assists in 34 career MLS games.