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New York Red Bulls

MetroStars Acquire Midfielder Joselito Vaca From Dallas

February 5, 2004 - Major League Soccer (MLS)
New York Red Bulls News Release


SECAUCUS, NJ (Thursday, February 4, 2004) - The MetroStars acquired Bolivian playmaker Joselito Vaca from the Dallas Burn in exchange for future considerations. Vaca is a Transitional International, which does not count against the three Senior International roster spots allocated for each team.

"Joselito's a talented, young attacking player," said MetroStars Head Coach Bob Bradley. "He has had experience in the league and internationally, which is very valuable and we are excited to bring him to the MetroStars."

Vaca, 21, joins the Metros after playing in 73 games (61 starts), scoring five goals and 17 assists for 27 points with Dallas, since joining the team in 2001. At the age of 18, the Santa Cruz, Bolivia native was drafted by the Burn in the first round (fifth overall) in the 2001 MLS SuperDraft. The active midfielder was named to the 2002 MLS All-Star Team and assisted on a goal by countryman and fellow Bolivian National Team teammate Marco Etcheverry.

"We are very excited to bring a player of Joselito's quality and experience in MLS," said MetroStars President and General Manager Nick Sakiewicz. "At his young age, he should be a great addition to the core of talented young players we already have."

Also at 18 years old, he became a member of the Bolivian National Team player pool and was considered the engine of the team. The 5'6" sensation has earned 11 caps for the nation. Vaca has played in a 2006 World Cup Qualifier for Bolivia as the nation attempts to return to the renowned tournament, which will be played in Germany.

At the youth level, Vaca was a member of the U-20 national team and led the squad to the South American U-20 championships in Ecuador in 2001. In 2000, he became the youngest player ever (18) to be voted the best player of the Bolivian First Division, while he played for Club Oriente Petrolero. He led the team to a berth in the prestigious Copa Libertadores before leaving for MLS.

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