COLUMBUS – Columbus Crew SC today announced that it has acquired $100,000 in Targeted Allocation Money for the 2017 Major League Soccer season, $250,000 in Targeted Allocation Money for the 2018 MLS season and $75,000 in General Allocation Money for the 2018 MLS season from Minnesota United FC in exchange for midfielder Ethan Finlay.

Finlay was selected 10th overall in the 2012 MLS SuperDraft by the Black & Gold and made 150 regular-season appearances (102 starts) for the Black & Gold over six MLS seasons, scoring 30 goals and providing 30 assists. In 2014, Finlay experienced a breakout season and tied for the team lead in goals (11) and assists (seven). The midfielder was part of the 2015 Crew SC squad that reached MLS Cup 2015, a season in which he recorded a career-high 12 goals and 13 assists in regular-season action. The 2015 season also saw Finlay named to the 2015 AT&T MLS All-Star Game, his first All-Star nod, in addition to MLS Best XI honors. While with Crew SC, Finlay earned three caps with the United States Men’s National Team, making his first appearance for the U.S. in a friendly against Iceland on January 31, 2016 in addition to an appearance in a FIFA World Cup qualification match at MAPFRE Stadium against Guatemala on March 29, 2016.

"Ethan is one of the best professionals that I’ve worked with since joining the club four years ago. He played a big role in defining the club’s style of play and its success on the field," said Sporting Director and Head Coach Gregg Berhalter. "When Minnesota approached us this summer with a substantial offer for his services, we sat down with Ethan and agreed that this was an opportunity that would benefit both his career and the club. As he heads to Minnesota, we wish him the best in the next stage of his career."

The 27-year-old midfielder departs the club as one of only nine players to have made 130 or more regular-season appearances for Crew SC. Finlay is also part of an elite group of only five players in club history to have registered at least 30 goals and 30 assists for the club in regular-season action, a group that includes Jeff Cunningham (64 goals, 44 assists), Brian McBride (62 goals, 45 assists), Federico Higuain (48 goals, 40 assists), Guillermo Barros Schelotto (33 goals, 41 assists) and Justin Meram (33 goals, 33 assists).

Crew SC returns home to MAPFRE Stadium to host Bastian Schweinsteiger and the Chicago Fire on August 12 for a 7:30 p.m. ET kickoff.

TRANSACTION

Columbus Crew SC acquires $100,000 in Targeted Allocation Money for the 2017 Major League Soccer season, $250,000 in Targeted Allocation Money for the 2018 MLS season and $75,000 in General Allocation Money for the 2018 MLS season from Minnesota United FC in exchange for midfielder Ethan Finlay on August 9, 2017.