Toronto FC has traded captain Dwayne De Rosario to the New York Red Bulls for midfielder Tony Tchani, defender Danleigh Borman and a first-round draft pick in 2012.
The 32-year-old De Rosario scored 15 of Toronto's 33 goals last season, though he's been upset with his contract status for the past couple seasons. He made $443,750 last year while designated player Julian de Guzman made $1.7 million.
De Rosario also played for the San Jose Earthquakes, winning championships in 2001 and '03, and the Houston Dynamo, winning titles in 2006 and '07. He also has played 56 games for Canada, scoring 15 international goals.
Toronto FC coach Aron Winter called the move ''part of our rebuild process.''
Red Bulls general manager Erik Soler called De Rosario one of the league's top players.
''He is one of the most dangerous players MLS has seen in the attacking third and he is a true leader both on and off the field,'' Soler said. ''We had to trade Tony and Danleigh - two very talented, young players who both need more playing time with a first team in MLS to develop their potential. At the end, we think this is a massive step in our quest toward the MLS Cup title.''
De Rosario, who had a goal and an assist in two games this season, is expected to be available for the Red Bulls' home game against Houston on Saturday.
The second pick overall in the 2010 draft, Tchani played in 27 matches as a rookie with one goal and three assists.
Borman was in his fourth season with New York after being taken in the first round (seventh overall) in the 2008 draft. He had four goals and two assists in 59 regular-season matches.
