Revolution Trade Captain Shalrie Joseph To Chivas USA

BOSTON (CBS) - The New England Revolution have sent their captain packing.

The club announced Wednesday they have traded club captain Shalrie Joseph to Chivas USA.

"Trading Shalrie was a not a decision we made easily," General Manager Michael Burns said. "Shalrie has been one of the faces of the club for a decade, but we had to take a hard look at our roster and decide where we needed to be as we look toward the future. Shalrie has accomplished so much as a member of the Revs, and we wish him nothing but best wishes as he moves on to the next stage in his career with Chivas USA.

The 34-year-old Joseph spent 10 years in New England, and departs as the club's all-time leader in appearances (261), starts (254), minutes played (22,867), penalty kick goals (12) and fouls suffered (421).

In return, the Revolution get midfielder Blair Gavin, Chivas' second-round selection in the 2013 MLS SuperDraft, and allocation money.

"With this trade, we gain a significant amount of roster flexibility and add a player in Blair Gavin who has great potential, an additional draft pick next year, plus allocation money – all of which provides us options to improve the team," said Burns.

Joseph was originally drafted by the Revs in the second round of the 2002 MLS SuperDraft out of St. John's University in New York. He had served as the team's captain since 2009.