In another surprise MLS trade involving the Goats, it was announced today that the New England Revolution’s long-standing midfielder, Shalrie Joseph, was on his way to becoming the newest member of Chivas USA. In the early hours of Wednesday morning, before most Chivas fans were even out of their beds, the news broke on Twitter (via agent Ron Waxman) that the Grenadian international would be on his way to California and leaving behind a 10 season career with the Revs. Later it was revealed, as both clubs confirmed the deal, that moving in the opposite direction would be Blair Gavin, along with 2nd pick in the 2013 SuperDraft and an undisclosed amount of allocation money. Once again, a completely unexpected move by Chivas USA and one that undoubtedly signals a strong push for the playoffs by Robin Fraser. However, it is also a trade that raises some concerns.
It doesn’t seem like that long ago that rumors involving an early season double-trade by Chivas USA were flourishing on social media and reports of who we were about to acquire had the Rojiblanco fans in raptures. Then out went Michael Lahoud and Heath Pearce, and in came MLS stalwart Danny Califf and rising star Juan Agudelo. Fans could not have been happier and hopes for an improved season were raised by Fraser’s inspired dealings. Well today, a somewhat similar surprised but hopeful herd of Goats fans welcomed the news that Joseph (34) would be on his way to help Chivas’ chances of making the playoffs. A legend for New England Revolution, an ex-MVP finalist (2009) and ex-MLS All Star, Shalrie Joseph makes the surprise move to Chivas USA at a time where his experience and attributes are required.
Chivas currently lie in sixth place in the Western Conference, seven points behind LA Galaxy and a playoff spot, but with three invaluable games in hand. It is therefore fast becoming a make-or-break period for Chivas USA. With their playoff hopes hanging in the balance, Robin Fraser has been relying on his older more experienced players like Dan Kennedy and Danny Califf to drag them through games and grind out results. And this is where the thinking behind the Joseph trade might lie. With a vast amount of experience in MLS and a vast amount of quality, the midfielder could well be another inspired addition to the roster. Chivas USA have a lot of young talent in their ranks with players such as Agudelo, Correa, Bolaños and Romero. However, it will be the experienced players like Angel, Califf and Moreno that could be vital in the run-in to the season’s end. Adding a player like Shalrie Joseph then, will not only bolster the midfield, but will provide the extra leadership and experience that is needed to continue Chivas’ knack of grinding out results.
The quality he can provide in the midfield and even defense is undoubted and, despite his age, the imposing midfielder will offer a great deal in an area where we have some gaps. Nevertheless, as excited as I and most Chivas USA fans are, this trade will also raise a few eyebrows.
Joseph, at 34, is in the twilight of his career and for Chivas to let a younger player with so much potential in Blair Gavin go, only increases the average age of our squad. Yes Gavin was not a regular starter and Joseph probably will be, but it only again raises the concern that Chivas USA seem to only acquire outstanding players when they are the wrong side of 30. His age has started to show in some of his recent performances and perhaps this was why New England was willing to let him go. Also, on that point, if New England were willing to let him go and free up a DP spot does it signal a move for a new DP by Heaps? If it does (which I am sure Revs fans will be hopeful) does this not highlight where Chivas USA are lacking? Why can’t Chivas use the money they have to acquire Joseph and find a younger, longer term DP of their own? Financial restraints are of course there, however, how much longer can Chivas USA pick up players like Joseph, or Angel for example, at the end of their careers and not invest in more youthful experienced players?
That’s the negatives…which I might add are for another day as in my opinion this is a terrific move by Robin Fraser, at this stage of the season. Unfortunately though, it does mean that Blair Gavin’s time as a Goat is over. The Revs will be getting a good player, perhaps not as a direct replacement for Shalrie Joseph but one who will give 100% to prove they got a fair deal. Overall, this trade only makes a nervous time for Chivas USA fans more exciting. We have somehow managed to find ourselves with a genuine chance of making the playoffs with a few season defining games coming up and a few unexpected players in our ranks. With Joseph being added today, it only highlights further that Robin Fraser plans on making an all-or-nothing push for a post-season this year and if not, building a squad to get us there next year.
(image courtesy of Getty Images)
