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The Philadelphia Union have traded for defender Warren Creavalle, the club announced on Thursday. A second-round pick in the 2016 MLS SuperDraft was sent to Toronto FC in exchange.
Creavalle, 24, has logged minutes on the right side of defense and in the defensive midfield. His wealth of experience and versatility were huge draws for Technical Director Chris Albright.
"Warren's versatility will be a great addition to our group," Albright said. "He's a young player who has played a lot of games in our league and we look forward to him contributing immediately."
The move provides some much-needed depth both at full back and in midfield. The trade of Sheanon Williams left the Union with just three full backs, rookie Raymond Lee being one of them. In midfield, Brian Carroll was thrust into a starting role after Maurice Edu transitioned to the back line.
Kevin Kinkead also notes that Toronto will eat some of Creavalle's salary, which stands at a reasonable $119,000, according to the MLS Players Union.
Toronto will pick up a portion of Creavalle's salary, and he is eligible to play in the USOC semifinal since he isnt cup tied
— Kevin Kinkead (@KevinKCBS3) August 7, 2015
The Houston Dynamo selected Creavalle with the 37th pick of the 2012 SuperDraft, just two picks after the Union's selection of Ray Gaddis. He made 54 appearances for Houston before he was traded to Toronto to facilitate the signing of DeMarcus Beasley. He's appeared in 23 games for Toronto since they acquired him last July.