SECAUCUS, N.J. - The MetroStars announced today that they have signed Argentinian central midfielder Daniel Garipe. Garipe, who was acquired via an allocation, will be eligible to play upon reciept of his visa. He will occupy one of the club's youth international spots and join the 18-man senior roster. Per MLS policy, terms of the contracts were not disclosed.
"We feel 'The Ripper' can provide some bite and stability in our midfield," said MetroStars President and General Manager Alexi Lalas. "He's a no-nonsense player who's shown he has no problem getting down and dirty for the cause."
Garipe, a 24-year-old defensive minded midfielder, began his professional soccer career in 1998 when he signed with Huracan, from Argentina's Serie A. From 1998 to 2003, the San Juan (Argentina) native appeared in 105 games and netted a total of five goals for Huracan. Garipe scored his first goal on November 4, 1999 in a 2-1 win over Argentinos Juniors.
"I am very excited and grateful to the Head Coach, Bob Bradley, and the President, Alexi Lalas, to be given this opportunity to play for the MetroStars of MLS," said Garipe. "I hope to be able to show my best playing qualities to the MetroStars fans immediately, contribute to the cause of the team right away, and prove the faith that Coach Bradley and President Lalas have shown in me."
For the 2003-2004 season Garipe played in two games for Serie B Lanus. During that same season, Garipe was also a member of the Argentinos Juniors of the Spanish Second Division and appeared in 16 games.
Throughout the 2004-2005 season, Daniel played for both Pontevedra (16 games) and Pontevedra (Copa Rey) (1 game) both of the Spanish Second Division. For the remainder of the 2005 season, Garipe played in 14 games for the Serie B team, Godoy Cruz.
