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MLS Columbus Crew SC

Crew Acquires Midfielder Manny Lagos from San Jose for Draft Pick

January 13, 2004 - Major League Soccer (MLS)
Columbus Crew SC News Release


COLUMBUS, Ohio (Tuesday, January 13) - Columbus Crew President and General Manager Jim Smith announced today that The Crew has acquired midfielder Manny Lagos from the San Jose Earthquakes in exchange for The Crew's 2005 natural third-round SuperDraft pick.

"I am incredibly excited," said Lagos. "I am from the Midwest and Columbus is a great club. They have great facilities and it is a great atmosphere for soccer. I am looking forward to it."

Lagos joined the league in 1996 and has appeared in 147 regular season games, starting 110. He has tallied 85 points on 26 goals and 33 assists. Heading into 2004, the St. Paul, Minnesota, native has notched double-digit points in five consecutive seasons. Besides San Jose (2001-2003), he has also played for Tampa Bay (1999-2000), Chicago (1998-1999) and the MetroStars (1996-1997).

"In Manny we are getting a player who has won a couple of MLS Championships in San Jose and who is a solid, proven professional," said Crew Head Coach Greg Andrulis. "He is a player who can play on the left or right side of the midfield. It is an important veteran acquisition for us as we move toward the 2004 season."

The former University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee star has also appeared in 14 playoff games, starting 14, and has tallied four goals and four assists. He helped lead San Jose to MLS Cup titles in 2001 and 2003. On the international level, Lagos has made three appearances for the U.S. National Team and was a member of the 1992 Olympic Team where he scored the game-winning goal in the U.S.'s only win in Barcelona. Prior to MLS, he played for his father for six years with the A-League's Minnesota Thunder. Lagos also spent a season in Spain and France. Manny and his wife, Aimee, have two children, Manny Jr. (born in May 2002), and Jackson (born in October 2003).

"Manny is a proven veteran and all-star in this league and we are excited to have him," said Smith. "The addition of him and Simon Elliott solidifies our midfield."

The 32-year-old Lagos will join The Crew at the start of February when the team reports for camp. The 2004 MLS SuperDraft takes place this Friday in Charlotte starting at 10 a.m.

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