[2] He did not play college soccer; instead, Gaven spent two years training with other young Americans at the USSF's Bradenton Academy.

[citation needed] At the age of 16 years and two months, Gaven was drafted by the MetroStars with the twelfth overall pick in the 2003 MLS SuperDraft.

Just before the 2006 season, Gaven was traded to Columbus Crew along with the rights to defender Chris Leitch for striker Edson Buddle.

[3] Gaven missed most of the 2013 season after an injury suffered during a Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup match.

He then became the youngest player (17 years 104 days) in CONCACAF history to appear in an Olympic qualifier when he played for the U.S. Under-23 team in a 2–0 victory over Canada on February 5, 2004.

[6] In 2005, after continuing his solid play with the MetroStars, Gaven was part of the U.S. Under-20 team at the 2005 FIFA World Youth Championship in the Netherlands.