Position: Midfielder
Height: 6-0
Weight: 145
Born: Oct. 25, 1986
Hometown: Hamilton, N.J.
Club: Columbus Crew (MLS)

A smart and technical midfielder, Gaven is the only Olympic Qualifying veteran on the roster, having played in a CONCACAF Olympic qualifying game in 2004. On that day four years ago he became the youngest player to ever feature in an Olympic Qualifying match, and this time around, his role has shifted. At 21 years old, he is one of the most experienced players on the roster, with five years of professional soccer already under his belt to go along with five appearances with the Men’s National Team.

• His debut appearance for the national team on July 11, 2004 against Poland made him one of the youngest U.S. players ever to earn a cap.
• His first professional goal, scored in just his second ever appearance for the Metrostars, came after his team first substituted him into the goal (to circumvent the three substitution rule) then moved him into the field after a few minutes.
• When he was drafted at age 16, he was the youngest player ever to sign a contract with Major League Soccer, a record since surpassed by fellow roster-member Freddy Adu.

U.S. National Team – 2007: Was a member of Bob Bradley’s Copa America squad, and made two appearances in the tournament … Came on as a sub against Argentina in Maracaibo and Colombia in Barquisimeto … 2005: Played in two games for the United States, including one start against Scotland in November of 2005 … 2004: Made his first appearance on July 11, 2004 against Poland, coming on as a substitute … Earned first start on Nov. 12, 2005 against Scotland in Glasgow … Under-23s: Has been a part of two training camps with head coach Peter Nowak leading up to Olympic Qualifying … Was also part of the failed Olympic qualifying campaign of 2004 … During that tournament he became the youngest ever player to start a CONCACAF Olympics qualifier … Under-20s: Was part of the 2005 Under-20 World Championship team … Started three games in Holland, helping the U.S. win their group and advance to the knock-out phase … Under-17s: Played every minute of four games the FIFA U-17 World Championship Finland 2003 … Helped team to a quarterfinal berth and fifth-place finish … Part of U.S. Soccer’s Residency Program for two years

Professional – 2007: 2006: Traded to the Columbus Crew before the start of the season, he went on to make 30 appearances for his new club … Starting in 30 games, he notched four goals and four assists … 2005: Became the youngest player to ever start in an MLS All-Star game and to be named to MLS Best XI in 2005 … In 28 games for the Metrostars, he scored eight goals and served up four assists … Appeared in six career post-season games and scored five goals with the MetroStars .. 2004: Continued his development as a player by featuring in 29 games for the Metrostars … Scored seven goals and had seven assists for his team … 2003: Drafted in the first round, 12th overall, of the MLS SuperDraft in 2003 by the MetroStars (now N.Y. Red Bulls) … At the time was the youngest player ever drafted into Major League Soccer.

 
Personal: Born on October 25,1986, in Hamilton, N.J., the same day that the New York Mets won Game Six of the 1986 World Series over the Boston Red Sox when Mookie Wilson's ground ball went through first baseman Bill Buckner's legs allowing Ray Knight to score … Has one sister, Megan (13), and one brother, Jim (18). Lists his mother (Janet) and father (Ed) as his role models. Lists his favorite music as punk. Says his brother, Jim, is his favorite player... Played for Hibernian FC in Mercer County (NJ) ... Married Paula on Jan. 12, 2008