Toronto FC acquires MF DeRosario from Houston

Dec 12, 2008 - 9:30 PM TORONTO (Ticker) -- Toronto FC on Friday acquired midfielder Dwayne De Rosario from the Houston Dynamo for defender Julius James and allocation money.

A three-time MLS All-Star and four-time MLS Cup winner, De Rosario has recorded 51 goals and 42 assists through eight seasons with the San Jose Earthquakes and Houston Dynamo.

"Dwayne is a player we've admired for quite some time. When the chance came to work with Houston to get this deal, we were obviously very happy," Toronto director of soccer Mo Johnston said. "He's a wonderful talent and I hope all of our supporters are as excited as we are that Dwayne is now a member of Toronto FC.

"We also want to wish Julius all the best; it's never easy to say good-bye to a young talent."

The 30-year-old De Rosario, a native of Scarborough, Ontario, was named to the All-Star team for the 2006, 2007, and 2008 seasons. At the 2008 All-Star Game, he scored the game-winner from the penalty spot in a 3-2 win over West Ham United.

In his three seasons with the Dynamo, De Rosario scored 24 goals and distributed 11 assists, also netting two goals and four assists in 12 playoff games.

"We would like to thank Dwayne for his leadership, commitment, and contributions during his tenure with the Dynamo," Houston head coach Dominic Kinnear said. "He has been a valuable asset to our team, but it is time for both parties to move on.

"This move is in the best interest of everybody and now gives the Dynamo real opportunity to address a number of its offseason goals. We are receiving a bright young talent in Julius James, and now have great salary cap flexibility to bring in players that can add to our strong base."

James joins the Dynamo after his rookie season in Toronto, where he saw action in 13 games.

The 24-year-old is a native of Trinidad & Tobago and member of its national team. He earned his first cap against Guyana on September 3. In his MLS debut, he scored in the 49th minute against the Los Angeles Galaxy.