The MetroStars have acquired defender Thomas Dooley from the Columbus Crew in exchange for defender Mike Duhaney, it was announced today by general manager Nick Sakiewicz. Dooley, who holds 81 caps with the U.S. National Team and played in the '94 & '98 World Cups, will officially join the MetroStars on Tuesday, February 1st for MLS Spring Training 2000 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

"The chemistry and professionalism of this team is extremely important to our objective of rebuilding, " said Sakiewicz on his first MetroStars' trade. "Any time we can acquire a player of Dooley's experience and professionalism, we will do it."

Dooley spent the past three years with the Columbus Crew registering five goals and four assists in 63 games. He was twice selected as an MLS All-Star. Prior to joining MLS, he spent 10 years in the competitive German Bundesliga playing over 250 games for clubs such as Schalke 04, Bayer Leverkusen, Kaiserslautern, Homburg, and FK Pimascus.

Dooley began his career with the U.S. National Team in 1992 and immediately made his mark when he was named the 1993 U.S. Soccer Male Athlete of the Year. He scored the first goal in a 2-0 upset win over England in 1993 and captained the 1998 U.S. World Cup team in France. A complete bio on Thomas Dooley follows on page two and three of this release.

"Thomas will provide the leadership and experience to our defense and midfield," said head coach Octavio Zambrano. "His presence will be felt immediately in our locker room, and his work ethic will be something our younger players can emulate as we continue to rebuild our team for the upcoming 2000 MLS season."