MLS Red Bull New York

MetroStars Acquire Argentine Forward Sergio Galvan Rey

Published on March 26, 2004 under Major League Soccer (MLS)
Red Bull New York News Release


SECAUCUS, NJ (Friday, March 26, 2004) - The MetroStars announced today that they have acquired Argentine forward Sergio Galvan Rey with an allocation from Colombian club Once Caldas. Galvan Rey becomes the league maximum third senior international for the Metros, joining Honduran midfielder Amado Guevara and Ugandan defender Tenywa Bonseu. The deal comes days ahead of the FIFA-imposed transfer window, which closes on Wednesday, March 31 for MLS teams. He will join the "Red and Black" once his VISA is approved.

"Sergio is a very exciting forward and we are happy to bring him to the MetroStars," said MetroStars Head Coach Bob Bradley. "He has a true eye for the goal and his experience and leadership will be invaluable to our young team."

The 30-year-old Galvan Rey has scored 171 goals (160 league goals and 11 in Copa Libertadores) in his eight years with Once Caldas in the Colombian first division and Copa Libertadores. The native of Concepcion, Argentina scored two goals against Argentine heavyweight Velez Sarsfield and Paraguayan goalkeeping legend Jose Luis Chilavert on March 17 to give them a 2-0 win.

"Sergio's experience and proven track record for scoring goals will be a welcome addition to our club," said MetroStars President and General Manager Nick Sakiewicz. "We are very excited that he will bring, not only a lot of exciting moments on the field, but real value to us in the locker room as he is a leader and a good person."

The 5'8", 145-pound leaves Once Caldas in first-place in the prestigious South American competition with a 3-1-0 record for nine points in Group 2. He helped the team win their first Colombia league title in 53 years last year when they finished with 15 wins, three losses, and eight ties to put them 13 points clear of second-place Junior.

Galvan Rey's track record in Copa Libertadores totals 15 games played (14 starts) and 11 goals in the 1999, 2002 and 2004 installments of the tournament. He helped lead the team to the continental tournament for the first time in team history in 1999 when he led the Colombian league in scoring with 26 goals.

He played against new MetroStars teammate Jonny Walker twice in the 2002 Copa Libertadores when Walker was with Universidad Catolica of Chile. The first meeting on March 7, 2002, ended in a 3-0 win for Galvan Rey and Once Caldas. The striker converted the lone goal for Once Caldas on April 10, 2002, in a 3-1 win for Walker and Catolica.

Nicknamed "The King of Goals," since his name "Rey" means "king" in Spanish, he was born in Argentina, but also holds Colombian citizenship. He is a product of the world-renowned Boca Juniors youth system in Argentina.

Check out the Red Bull New York Statistics

Share: Facebook | Twitter/X | LinkedIn | Reddit | Email



Major League Soccer Stories from March 26, 2004


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

OurSports Central