For seven years, Jose Galvan and Juan Forchetti have been friends and teammates. They spent the better part of their lives together in the Boca Juniors youth system, and they’re together again on another continent, on loan to the MetroStars.

The 22-year-old Argentines arrived in New Jersey at the end of last week and found themselves already in the mix for last night’s game against Dallas at Giants Stadium. For a pair that struggled to get on the field back home, it was a welcome change of scenery.

“All this had to do with MetroStars doing their preseason in Buenos Aires. I played a game with them and I guess coach [Bob] Bradley liked what he saw,” Forchetti told metrostars.com. “Opportunities at Boca Juniors are very few. There are a lot of good players, and that makes it hard to get a chance to play for the first team.

“[It’s] a very important change for me. It’s good to change from time to time. Now I have to work hard and put a lot of effort forward so I can be successful here. Hopefully, it will be for the long term. My wish is to be successful here with the MetroStars and have my family enjoy the success with me as well.”

Forchetti, a central defender who can play on the wing, appeared in nine games for Boca’s full team, one of South America’s soccer powers. Galvan – an attacking midfielder – played on Argentina’s under-17 team and two years for Mexico’s Necaxa, but never reached Boca’s full team.

But both played for Boca when the MetroStars beat the Argentine powerhouse 1-0 in Buenos Aires on March 19, then played for the MetroStars in a 2-1 loss to their home club. They were impressive enough that Bradley worked out a loan, a deal that could help both parties.

“Changes are always good. I’d been with Boca Juniors since ’96, and I needed to move on,” Galvan said. “I want to find out for myself how soccer is [in the U.S.] and I want to produce to the maximum and take advantage of this great situation. [Boca coach Carlos Bianchi] wished me the best of luck. He considered it to be a great decision for me.”

The club waived Jeff Moore and Jeff Matteo, and with defensive midfielder Richie Williams questionable (left foot) and defenders Joey DiGiamarino (red card) and Chris Leitch (sprained right ankle) out, Bradley didn’t rule out starting either Argentine against the Burn.

They’ll bolster an already-smothering defense. The MetroStars (4-1-1, 13 points) came in riding a four-game winning streak and leading the Eastern Conference. They’d allowed an MLS-low three goals, with GK Tim Howard leading the league in saves and goals-against-average.

“I don’t know if we could’ve expected this,” said Howard, a target of Manchester United. “They’ve done well, taken a lot of responsibility, and come up big. I haven’t had to face many shots. It’s good to play with a defense that’s solid and that you can depend on.”