Eddie Gaven facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Eddie Gaven

Gaven in 2007
Personal information
Date of birth	(1986-10-25) October 25, 1986 (age 38)
Place of birth	Hamilton Township, New Jersey, U.S.
Height	1.83 m (6 ft 0 in)
Position(s)	Midfielder
Youth career
2001–2003	IMG Soccer Academy
Senior career*
Years	Team	Apps	(Gls)
2003–2005	MetroStars	69	(16)
2006–2013	Columbus Crew	209	(35)
Total		278	(51)
International career‡
2003	United States U17	4	(0)
2005	United States U20	1	(0)
2003–2008	United States U23	5	(1)
2004–2010	United States	8	(0)
Managerial career
2016–2022	Ave Maria Gyrenes
*Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of October 31, 2013 ‡ National team caps and goals, correct as of October 31, 2013

Eddie Gaven, born on October 25, 1986, is a former American soccer player. He played for 11 seasons in Major League Soccer (MLS). Most of his career was spent with the Columbus Crew. In July 2012, Gaven made history. He became the youngest player to play in 250 MLS matches. He was only 25 years and 257 days old at the time.

Early Life and Training

Eddie Gaven grew up in Hamilton Township, New Jersey. He went to Steinert High School. Instead of playing college soccer, Gaven chose a different path. He spent two years training at the Bradenton Academy. This academy is run by the USSF. It helps young American players develop their skills.

Professional Soccer Career

Starting Young in MLS

Gaven made a big splash when he joined MLS. He became one of the youngest players ever to sign with the league. At just 16 years and two months old, the MetroStars picked him. This happened during the 2003 MLS SuperDraft.

He played his first game for the MetroStars on June 14, 2003. This made him the youngest player in the team's history. In his very next game, on July 5, he scored a goal. This also made him the youngest player to score for the team.

The Goalkeeper Trick

During that game against D.C. United, something unusual happened. The score was tied. The MetroStars coach, Bob Bradley, used a clever rule. MLS rules allowed a fourth player change, but only for a goalkeeper.

Coach Bradley first swapped his goalie, Tim Howard, with midfielder Mark Lisi. Then, he put Gaven into the game as the fourth "goalkeeper only" substitute. Gaven replaced Lisi in goal. After only 10 seconds, the ball went out of play. Gaven and Howard quickly switched back. Gaven moved to midfield, and Howard returned to goal. Gaven then scored the winning goal in overtime! This made him the youngest goalkeeper in MLS history. Because of this trick, MLS changed the rule. The fourth goalkeeper substitution was removed after that season.

Becoming an MLS Star

In 2004, Gaven became a regular starter for the MetroStars. He was voted to start in the MLS All-Star Game. This made him the youngest player ever to do so. He finished the season with seven goals and seven assists. He was also named to the MLS Best XI, which is a list of the best players in the league. Again, he was the youngest player to receive this honor.

Gaven continued his strong performance in 2005. He scored eight goals and had four assists.

Moving to Columbus Crew

Before the 2006 season, Gaven was traded. He moved to the Columbus Crew along with Chris Leitch. In exchange, the MetroStars received Edson Buddle. With the Crew, Gaven played almost every game in 2006. He scored four goals that season.

In 2007, he played in 27 games. He scored five goals and made seven assists. His 2008 season had fewer goals, three goals and two assists. This was partly because he started the season with an injury. However, Gaven helped the Crew reach their first MLS Cup Final. He scored the winning goal in the Eastern Conference Championship game. The Crew then went on to win the MLS Cup!

Gaven competes for a header with Marc Burch during a 2011 regular season match at Columbus Crew Stadium

Another Stint in Goal

In 2010, Gaven had to play in goal again. This happened during a game against the Philadelphia Union. The Crew's goalkeeper, William Hesmer, got a shoulder injury. The team had already used all their player changes. So, Gaven stepped in as goalie. He let in one goal but made two important saves. These saves helped the Crew win the game 3–1. Gaven even won the MLS Save of the Week award for one of his saves!

Gaven signed a new contract with Columbus in November 2011. It was for two more years, with options for more.

Injury and Retirement

Gaven missed most of the 2013 season. He got injured during a Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup match. After the 2013 season, he decided to retire from playing professional soccer.

International Soccer Career

Eddie Gaven also played for the U.S. national team at different levels. In 2003, he played every minute for the U.S. team in the Under-17 World Championship in Finland.

In 2004, he became the youngest player in CONCACAF history. He played in an Olympic qualifier for the U.S. Under-23 team. He was only 17 years and 104 days old. Later that year, he earned his first cap (appearance) for the senior U.S. national team. This made him the fourth youngest player in U.S. history to do so.

In 2005, Gaven was part of the U.S. Under-20 team. They played in the 2005 FIFA World Youth Championship in the Netherlands.

Coaching Career

After retiring from playing soccer in 2013, Gaven started coaching. From March 2016 to 2022, he was the Head Men's Soccer Coach at Ave Maria University.

Personal Life

Eddie Gaven is a devoted Catholic.

Career Statistics

This table shows Eddie Gaven's appearances and goals for his clubs in different competitions.

Honors and Awards

MetroStars

• MLS Best XI: 2004

Columbus Crew

• Major League Soccer MLS Cup: 2008
• Major League Soccer Supporter's Shield: 2008, 2009

See also

In Spanish: Eddie Gaven para niños