Tue Sep 16 15:39:40 2008

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New York acquires Mbuta from USL team

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Secaucus, NJ (Sports Network) - Red Bull New York signed midfielder Matthew Mbuta on Tuesday after agreeing to personal terms and a fee with Crystal Palace Baltimore of the United Soccer Leagues' Second Division before Monday's roster freeze deadline.

To make room for Mbuta on the 28-man roster, the Red Bulls waived forward Chris Meglaoudis. Per team and League policy, financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. Mbuta is waiting for approval on his P-1 visa before he can play for the Red Bulls.

"Matthew has impressed us over the past few weeks and we think he will help add pace and depth to our midfield," N.Y. Sporting Director Jeff Agoos said. "We also want to thank Chris for his hard work and dedication to the club and wish him the best in the future."

Mbuta appeared in 17 games for Crystal Palace Baltimore, tallying two goals and two assists while helping the club to the USL-2 semifinals. In 2006, Mbuta was named to the USL-2 All-League First Team, playing in 16 games and scoring five goals and seven assists.

Prior to coming to the United States, Mbuta, 22, played for Duli Pengiran Muda Mahkota FC of the Malaysian Super League, where he scored three goals in eight matches.

From 2004-06, the former Cameroonian Under-23 midfielder played for PWD de Bamenda of the Cameroonian First Division, helping it qualify for the Confederation of African Football Cup. PWD advanced to the tournaments quarterfinals and Mbuta scored five goals. Mbuta has also enjoyed trials at Arsenal and West Ham of the English Premier League in 2006.

Megaloudis made one regular season appearance for the Red Bulls on June 18. The Puerto Rican international was signed by New York on April 4 and he made six starts for the Red Bulls Reserves, scoring one goal.