Galaxy Re-sign Defender Todd Dunivant From Toronto
The Galaxy's new-look defense is taking shape.
The Galaxy announced Tuesday they have reacquired 28-year-old full back Todd Dunivant from Toronto in exchange for allocation money.
Dunivant, a 2003 draft pick by the San Jose Earthquakes, first played for the Galaxy in 2005, playing every minute of every regular season (and post-season) game as the club won the MLS Cup and U.S. Open Cup double.
The epitome of consistency, many observers were not pleased when Dunivant was traded to the New York Red Bulls midway through the 2006 season, where he was soon joined by Bruce Arena.
"I strongly believe that Todd will be an outstanding addition to our team and we're excited to have him returning to the LA Galaxy," Arena said. "I've known him for a number of years with both the national team and New York Red Bulls and am confident that he will be able to help our club this season."
Dunivant began training with the Galaxy today. Ankle injuries limited him to a career-low nine games last season with Toronto, who he joined in 2007.
Arena has no doubt penciled Dunivant in as left back, with last year's MLS Rookie of the Year Sean Franklin installed as right back.
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Sportswriter Nick Green has written the 100 Percent Soccer column since 2005 for the Daily News, Daily Breeze and other Los Angeles area newspapers. The blog of the same name began in 2007. A native of England, he began writing about soccer in the mid-1980s and in 2000 permanently exchanged a seat in the stands for one in the press box. He lives six miles from Carson's Home Depot Center, home of the Los Angeles Galaxy, Chivas USA and the training headquarters for U.S. Soccer and is married to a long-suffering soccer widow. Join Nick on FaceBook and follow him on Twitter.
Thanks for all the updates from around the World (Cup bids) and all that.
The G's have now 12 players too much on their roster, so it will be interesting to see the almost new look team trying to impress Bruce & Co in the upcoming preseason games and the PPC.
This is the best player acquisition that the Galaxy has made since getting Donovan in 2005 -- and, yes, I include Beckham in that time span. Frankly, I never understood why the Galaxy traded Dunivant in the first place (one of Alexi Lalas' brilliant moves, obviously). Dunivant is a steady player who does his job well and quietly; he's one of those unsung players that every team needs.
Nevertheless, the Galaxy has a big hole in the middle of the defense. They need an experienced (and good) central defender to regain respectability.
Say this fast three times:
Donovan to Dunivant to Donovan.