The MetroStars announced today that they won the rights to US U-17 standout and Generation Adidas player David Arvizu in a weighted lottery conducted today at MLS Headquarters in New York. As a member of the U.S. Youth system joining MLS after the annual SuperDraft, Arvizu was made available to all twelve MLS teams through a weighted lottery. The MetroStars, with a 23.5 percent chance of acquiring the rights to Arvizu, were selected over Chivas USA (54.5 percent chance), the Colorado Rapids (18 percent), D.C. United (3 percent) and Houston 1836 (1 percent) after seven teams elected not to participate in the lottery.

"It's not every day you win the lottery. The odds were against us, but as they say, "you have to be in it to win it." said MetroStars President and General Manager Alexi Lalas. "David is a talented young player with incredible potential and we look forward to having him join the MetroStars family."

"I am really excited to be part of the MetroStars and Major League Soccer," said Arvizu. "I know that Mo and Alexi want to play an attacking style of soccer, and I think that I will fit well into their plan."

Arvizu, a 17-year old from Santa Ana, California, joined the US Soccer residency program in Bradenton, Florida in the fall of 2004 and has since made 13 international appearances with the U-17 team and tallied four goals. In 2005 he was second on the team in appearances with 32 (starting 27 of those games), and registered eight goals and six assists. In 2004 he appeared in 16 games (starting 10) scoring seven goals, and notching three assists.

"I am very happy that we were able to get David," said MetroStars Head Coach Mo Johnston. "I saw him play with the U-17's and I was very impressed, so Alexi and I jumped at the opportunity to be in this lottery. He probably would have been a top pick in this year's draft if he were in it. It is another important step for the club in building for the future by adding another young player."

This marks the fourth lottery that the MetroStars have won. The other three were for Nelson Akwari (August 12, 2002), DJ Countess (August 7, 2001) and Joey DiGiamarino (March 31, 2003).