Philadelphia Union Trade Danny Califf To Chivas USA
By Spike Eskin
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) – The Philadelphia Union traded one of their most popular players today, when they sent defender Danny Califf to Chivas USA in exchange for midfielder Michael Lahoud and allocation money.
"We want to thank Danny Califf for his contributions to the Union on and off the field and wish him well in his career," said Team Manager Peter Nowak via press release. "In Michael Lahoud we are getting another young versatile player who we believe will have an opportunity to establish himself as a Union player while helping us achieve our goals throughout the season."
"I want to take this opportunity to give my sincerest thanks to all our fans, the city of Philadelphia and all of my teammates that I have played with," said Califf via press release. "You have opened your heart and welcomed this California kid like just another one of yous guys!!"
Philadelphia Union blog Brotherly Game says the following about Lahoud:
The versatile midfielder - mostly at left or right midfield in limited action this year - was born in Sierra Leone, but has lived in the United States since he was two-years-old. Lahoud will not take up an international roster spot because of his citizenship status.
Lahoud was drafted ninth overall in the 2009 MLS SuperDraft by Chivas. He scored two goals in 62 games in Los Angeles.
Union confirmed after Sunday's 3-2 loss to the New York Red Bulls that they were discussing a trade for Califf. "We're considering something but as of now we don't have an agreement," Union sporting director Diego Gutiérrez told MLSsoccer.com. "Danny Califf is a Union player.
Nowak confirmed that the trade was near completion, when he spoke about it during his weekly press conference on Wednesday.
