Forward
Eddie Gaven
6' 0"
Biography of retired USMNT player Eddie Gaven who was a regular with the Columbus Crew in the late 2000s.
Caps: 8
In 2003 Eddie Gaven became the youngest player to sign a contract in MLS history at the age of 16 years, two months after graduating from US Soccer’s Under-17 residency program that same year.
Gaven’s debut against DC United was eventful, to say the least, as his coach Bob Bradley took advantage of some dubious (and since changed) substitution rules to bring him on as an overtime sub for the injured Mark Lisi in July 2003 . First he donned a goalkeeper’s jersey (all outfield subs having been used) to become the youngest goalkeeper in league history, with keeper Tim Howard temporarily in Lisi’s position. Gaven then quickly swapped positions with Howard, and went on to score the game-winning, sudden death goal.
Made steady progress in his late teenage years with New York, but during a time of high turnover was traded to the Columbus Crew for Edson Buddle on March 28, 2006, just before the season opener. The trade reunited Gaven with former Under-20 National Team head coach Sigi Schmid. Gaven retired following the 2013 MLS season.
Photo by Matthew Aston – ISIPhotos.com
USMNT Experience
2010
Started against South Africa on Nov 17th.
2009
Played against El Salvador on Feb 24th.
2008
Appeared in the January 24th friendly against Sweden.
2007
Made two sub appearances at Copa America, in losses to Argentina and Colombia.
2005
Two caps, March 9 against Colombia and November 12 against Scotland.
2004
Earned his first senior cap against Poland on July 11.
2003
Played for the U.S. Under-17, Under-20, and Under-23 teams at various points during the year, including the CONCACAF Olympic Qualifying tournament and every minute of the FIFA Under-17 World Championships.
2001
Entered the US Soccer residency program at the IMG Academy in Bradenton, Fla.
Professional Experience
2013
Played in ten games with Columbus, retiring at the end of the season. 2012: Started all 34 games for the Crew.
2011
Scored five goals in 26 games for the Crew.
2010
Part of a Columbus squad that finished 2nd in the East and exited in the first round of the playoffs. Scored three goals with five assists.
2009
Scored three times in 24 games for Columbus with two assists.
2007
Scored five goals and had seven assists in 27 games (21 starts) as the Crew narrowly missed out on the playoffs.
2006
Traded from the New York Red Bulls to the Columbus Crew for Edson Buddle on March 28. Made 30 starts, registering four goals and four assists.
2005
Posted a career high in goals with eight to go along with four assists in 28 appearances for the MetroStars.
2004
Named to MLS Best XI, becoming the youngest ever (at age 17) to receive the honor. Named to the MLS All-Star game. Scored seven goals and added seven assists.
2003
Became the youngest player in MLS history as well as its second-youngest goalscorer. Played 12 games, starting seven, and tallied one goal and one assist.
