NEW YORK (February 4, 1998) -- Completing the first three-team trade in Major League Soccer history, D.C. United sent forward Raul Diaz Arce to New England Tuesday, while Revolution defender Alexi Lalas became a member of the MetroStars. United received three draft choices and future considerations.

D.C. traded Diaz Arce, the leading goalscorer over the two-year history of Major League Soccer, to comply with Major League Soccer salary cap regulations.

In return for Diaz Arce, D.C. United received the Revolution's first-round pick (sixth overall) in the 1998 MLS Supplemental Draft and New England's first-round pick in the 1999 MLS College Draft. In addition, the MetroStars sent a second-round selection in the 1999 MLS college draft and future considerations to D.C.

Along with Diaz Arce, United gave New England their third pick in the '98 College Draft (36th overall).

"We're extremely unhappy and disappointed to have to make this trade. As the leading goalscorer in the league, Raul has been one of the key reasons why D.C. United won the first two Major League Soccer championships," Payne said. "In addition, he has proven to be a terrific individual off the field and he'll be missed very much by everyone associated with D.C. United."

Diaz Arce, who turned 28 Monday, scored 38 league goals and added eight playoff goals in 60 total MLS matches for United. The Salvadoran international striker has 51 caps and 16 goals for his national team.

"We will certainly miss Raul's contributions to D.C. United both on and off the field," said United Head Coach and Assistant General Manager Bruce Arena. "Unfortunately, league buisness prevailed in this situation and we fully understand our obligations in meeting league cap guidelines. Raul has been a tremendous player for us over last two seasons and a first class representative of our club. We will deeply miss him."

Diaz Arce has been a fan favorite for the Washington metropolitan area's large Salvadoran community since his signing by MLS from Luis Angel Firpo of El Salvador. He was United's first-round pick (10th overall) in the inaugural MLS Player Draft, held Feb. 6-7, 1996.

"We know our Salvadoran fans will be extremely upset about this deal, but we hope they will understand that ultimately we had no choice and that they will continue to support D.C. United," Payne said. "I know that is what Raul would expect of them."

The MetroStars, meanwhile, added U.S. National Team member Lalas to bolster their backline.

Lalas, 6-3, 195 lb., spent the first two MLS seasons with New England. A charter member of the league, he was allocated to the Revolution on October 17, 1995, and has appeared in 55 of New England's 64 regular-season games.

The 27-year-old Lalas has made 91 appearances with the U.S. National Team, scoring nine goals. One of only five American players to play every minute of every game in World Cup 1994, he was named U.S. Soccer Male Athlete of the Year in 1995.

"Alexi is obviously a wonderful addition to our team, and I think his leadership will be a tremendous asset," said MetroStars vice president and general manager Charlie Stillitano. "The opportunity to acquire someone with Alexi's extraordinary credentials doesn't come along every day, and I expect he will have a very positive influence on our young players"

While attending Rutgers University, Lalas was a unanimous choice as college player of the year in 1991, winning both the Hermann Award and the Missouri Athletic Club Award in his senior season.

Lalas won a gold medal with the U.S. team at the Pan American Games in 1991, and participated in the 1992 and 1996 Summer Olympic Games.

The Birmingham, Michigan native became the first American-born player to play in Italy's prestigious Serie A when he signed with Padova on July 27, 1994. Lalas was also the only American to play in a charity match at AC Milan's San Siro Stadium on December 29, 1993, logging 45 minutes alongside the some of the world's great players.

An accomplished guitarist, Lalas has released two albums , and has appeared on several late-night talk shows, including The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, and The Late Show with David Letterman. Alexi has also served as a color-commentator for soccer matches broadcast on ESPN.

"I look at this as a challenge, and an adventure. I am excited to be joining an organization that's first class both on and off the field, and I look forward to leading the MetroStars to many championships," Lalas said. "It (the trade) came as somewhat as a surprise, but these things happen in pro sports. I'll miss the Revolution players, staff and fans who made my time in New England so enjoyable, both on and off the field. I'm proud to have been part of something very special in New England, and I wish them many years of success."