King of East Rutherford no more

MetroStars General Manager Nick Sakiewicz announced today that the team has acquired two-time MLS All-Star midfielder Richie Williams from Middletown, NJ, along with a player allocation and the 26th pick in tomorrow's SuperDraft, from D.C. United in exchange for goalkeeper Mike Ammann and the 15th pick in the SuperDraft.

Additionally, the MetroStars waived midfielder Roy Myers and defender Francis Okaroh to help create salary cap maneuverability.

The MetroStars now own the 13th and 26th overall picks in the SuperDraft on Monday.

"We believe we've made moves here that will significantly strengthen our team," said Sakiewicz, "though I must add that it was not easy to part with any of the players we were forced to give up.

"Mike Ammann, in particular, has meant an awful lot to this club, and to our fans as well. But because we are fortunate to have another outstanding goalkeeper in Tim Howard who is ready and deserving to play full-time, and because we had a chance to acquire a proven star in Richie Williams, it was a move we felt strongly that we had to make in order to improve ourselves as we try to win a championship."

Williams, 30, grew up in Middletown, NJ and starred at Mater Dei HS. A graduate of the University of Virginia, where he led the Cavaliers to the NCAA Division I title in 1991, Williams (5-5, 145 lbs.) also helped lead D.C. United to three MLS Cup titles in his five years with the team. He started 149 of 153 career games at defensive midfield with D.C. United, totaling 42 career points (eight goals, 26 assists).

Williams started 27 of the 29 games he played in last season and ranked second on D.C. United in minutes played with 2,445.