SECAUCUS, N.J. - The MetroStars have acquired the rights to Jericho, NY native Jordan Cila (forward) from Real Salt Lake in exchange for a fourth-round draft pick in the 2006 MLS Supplemental Draft, which will be held on Thursday, Jan. 26 at 2:00 p.m. ET.
"In Jordan, we've once again acquired a quality player with MLS experience who truly wants to be with the MetroStars," said MetroStars President and General Manager Alexi Lalas. "He's a local guy and he's excited to come back home and play in the area."
"To get a player of Jordan's caliber is a great move for the MetroStars," said MetroStars Head Coach Mo Johnston. "We know first-hand that he is a goal scorer, and I am excited about the prospect of having him don the 'Red and Black'."
The 23-year-old Cila entered the league with the Colorado Rapids after being selected in the 2004 MLS SuperDraft. While with Colorado, Cila scored four goals and tallied two assists in 21 appearances. He was traded to Real Salt Lake on February 23, 2005 and scored three goals and assisted on one during the '05 campaign. A graduate of Duke University with a degree in Sociology, Cila tallied 30 goals and 35 assists in 76 career games for the Blue Devils.
"I am especially excited about this opportunity because I grew up a MetroStars fan," said Cila. "I can't wait for the opportunity to prove myself both in MLS and in front of my hometown fans."
Cila comes from a strong soccer background as his father, Renato, enjoyed a distinguished playing career. He played professionally in Brazil for Club Corinthians, in Spain with Club Atletico Madrid, in Portugal for club Espinho and in the United States with the NASL's New York Arrows and Rochester Lancers.
After today's trade, the MetroStars now have the fifth, 17th, 29th, 31st and 41st picks in Thursday's Supplemental Draft.
