Toronto, ON (Sports Network) - Toronto FC announced on Wednesday the signing of midfielder Amado Guevara. In exchange for the right to sign the Honduran international, Toronto FC has traded future considerations in the 2009 and 2010 MLS SuperDraft to Chivas USA.
"He's a different type of player, he can create and score goals," Toronto manager Mo Johnston said. "He's talented, and we're very happy that he's signed with us. It's a chance for him to resurrect his MLS career in Toronto, and I know our fans will embrace him."
Johnston is reunited with Guevara, 31, whom he coached while with the New York Red Bulls in '06. The midfielder signed with the Metrostars arriving from Motagua (Honduras) in '03. In his time with New York, he made a total of 103 regular season appearances, including 100 starts, over four seasons.
Guevara's most notable season came in '04, when he earned the league MVP award after recording 10 goals and adding 10 assists. His '04 accomplishments also included Team MVP and MLS Scoring Champion. He was named to the All-Star team that season and was honored as the MVP of the game after scoring twice for the East in their 3-2 victory over the Western All-Stars.
Guevara followed that with solid seasons in '05, and '06 before being traded to Chivas USA for the club's designated player slot. After four games with the Los Angeles based club, Guevara accepted a loan move to his former club in Honduras for the remainder of the season after a falling out with Chivas USA coach Preki.
"This trade was made in the best interests of our club," Preki said. "We feel good about our group right now, and since the player in question did not fit into our plans, we made the best available deal for his rights. We hope that these additional SuperDraft picks will help Chivas USA as we continue to build our team moving forward. We wish Amado Guevara the best of luck in Toronto."
Internationally, Guevara is the captain and the all-time caps leader of the Honduran national team, scoring 22 goals.
Guevara will be available for selection for Toronto on Sunday at the Los Angeles Galaxy pending the approval of his International Transfer Certificate.
