Griffiths

Recently-signed MetroStars Darin Lewis, a senior international forward from Trinidad, and Byron Alvarez, a transitional international forward from Mexico, each received their work visas today and are now available to play for the MetroStars, beginning with tonight's home game against the Chicago Fire at 7:30 p.m. ET at Giants Stadium.

In order to make room for both players on the active roster, the MetroStars have traded midfielder Winston Griffiths to the Los Angeles Galaxy in exchange for a conditional future MLS SuperDraft pick. The addition of Lewis and Alvarez, and the dealing of Griffiths, brings the MetroStars roster to the maximum 18 senior roster players, plus the maximum four developmental players.

Alvarez, 23, was born in Mexico City but attended Beaverton (OR) HS just outside Portland. Alvarez, who began his professional career right out of high school, has played the past two seasons for Mexican club team Tampico, and has also previously played with the A-League Portland Timbers as well as the Yakima Reds and Oregon Surge of the USISL.

During the 2002 preseason, Alvarez scored four goals for the MetroStars during exhibition matches played during the team's training stints in Bradenton, FL and Florence, Italy.