AndyMead
28 Jan 2003, 11:44 AM
DC United press release
D.C. United Acquires Defender Galin Ivanov
Second Player Allocation Used to Select Bulgarian International
CHANTILLY, VA (January 28, 2003) - D.C. United announced today that defender Galin Ivanov has signed a contract with Major League Soccer and will be allocated to the club. D.C. United used its sole remaining player allocation, acquired in December's blockbuster trade with the MetroStars, to gain the services of the Bulgarian international.
"Galin's experience as a top flight defender for his club team and in European and National Team competitions will add stability to our back line," said D.C. United Technical Director Dave Kasper. "With the collection of talent that we have assembled, we are excited to begin preparing for the season."
Ivanov comes to the District after playing eight seasons in the Bulgarian Premier League, the last six of which were spent with powerhouse club CSKA Sofia. Since 1997, the 27-year-old Ivanov has appeared in 136 matches for the Sofia-based side and cemented himself as the club's starting central defender. Ivanov tallied eight goals in 186 contests during his career in Bulgaria's top-flight league.
Ivanov has also made five appearances on the Bulgarian "A" National Team, most recently as a substitute in a pair of qualifying round matches in the UEFA EURO 2004 competition. Ivanov began his international career in the youth ranks, making seven appearances for the Bulgarian U-18 team and earning 25 appearances for the country's U-21 squad.
The 6-foot, 172-pound Ivanov is the second player from Bulgaria to join the Black-and-Red this week. D.C. United yesterday acquired his fellow countryman and footballing legend Hristo Stoitchkov in a trade with the Chicago Fire. Stoitchkov's duel role as a player-assistant coach is expected to help ease Ivanov's transition to his new club and country. The two Bulgarians were teamed together briefly in 1998 when Stoitchkov made a short return to CSKA Sofia.
"Galin is the hairy-chested Bulgarian I've always wanted," added United Head Coach Ray Hudson. "He is a high quality, blue-blood defender with a lovely touch, superb tactical awareness and great athleticism. He will add steel and composure to our back line and his experience at the top-level just add fuel to the fire."
D.C. United Acquires Defender Galin Ivanov
Second Player Allocation Used to Select Bulgarian International
CHANTILLY, VA (January 28, 2003) - D.C. United announced today that defender Galin Ivanov has signed a contract with Major League Soccer and will be allocated to the club. D.C. United used its sole remaining player allocation, acquired in December's blockbuster trade with the MetroStars, to gain the services of the Bulgarian international.
"Galin's experience as a top flight defender for his club team and in European and National Team competitions will add stability to our back line," said D.C. United Technical Director Dave Kasper. "With the collection of talent that we have assembled, we are excited to begin preparing for the season."
Ivanov comes to the District after playing eight seasons in the Bulgarian Premier League, the last six of which were spent with powerhouse club CSKA Sofia. Since 1997, the 27-year-old Ivanov has appeared in 136 matches for the Sofia-based side and cemented himself as the club's starting central defender. Ivanov tallied eight goals in 186 contests during his career in Bulgaria's top-flight league.
Ivanov has also made five appearances on the Bulgarian "A" National Team, most recently as a substitute in a pair of qualifying round matches in the UEFA EURO 2004 competition. Ivanov began his international career in the youth ranks, making seven appearances for the Bulgarian U-18 team and earning 25 appearances for the country's U-21 squad.
The 6-foot, 172-pound Ivanov is the second player from Bulgaria to join the Black-and-Red this week. D.C. United yesterday acquired his fellow countryman and footballing legend Hristo Stoitchkov in a trade with the Chicago Fire. Stoitchkov's duel role as a player-assistant coach is expected to help ease Ivanov's transition to his new club and country. The two Bulgarians were teamed together briefly in 1998 when Stoitchkov made a short return to CSKA Sofia.
"Galin is the hairy-chested Bulgarian I've always wanted," added United Head Coach Ray Hudson. "He is a high quality, blue-blood defender with a lovely touch, superb tactical awareness and great athleticism. He will add steel and composure to our back line and his experience at the top-level just add fuel to the fire."