The Crew SC sent three players to its USL affiliate, the Pittsburgh Riverhounds, on Wednesday.

Defender Chad Barson and midfielders Christian Martinez and first-round pick Rodrigo Saravia were loaned on a game-by game basis. All three started and played extensively in the Riverhounds' 4-1 loss to FC Montreal.

The Crew SC sent three players to its USL affiliate, the Pittsburgh Riverhounds, on Wednesday.

Defender Chad Barson and midfielders Christian Martinez and first-round pick Rodrigo Saravia were loaned on a game-by game basis. All three started and played extensively in the Riverhounds� 4-1 loss to FC Montreal.

Barson�s assignment is not a surprise with new center back Nicolai Naess likely to dress and possibly start Saturday night against New York City FC. It marks Barson�s second trip to the USL this season along with five appearances for the Crew. Wednesday night, he received a red card for a challenge in the 78 th minute.

Despite riding a nine-game winless streak, Crew coach and sporting director Gregg Berhalter has said he�s not playing for the future right now. The decision to send down Martinez is further evidence. The 19-year-old midfield has made just two appearances, but scored a goal on June 1 against the Philadelphia Union.

Saravia, 23, has played eight games with Columbus, featuring as a midfielder and center back.

The Crew (3-8-10) was off Wednesday, but returns to the practice field Thursday.

treed@dispatch.com

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