COLUMBUS – Columbus Crew SC today announced that the club has acquired $50,000 in General Allocation Money from Seattle Sounders FC in exchange for defender Waylon Francis. Earlier this month, Crew SC did not exercise the option on Francis’ contract for the 2018 campaign. Francis, 27, joined Crew SC ahead of the 2014 MLS season. The Costa Rican player made 83 regular-season appearances (75 starts) for the Black & Gold, providing 18 assists while playing 6,606 minutes.

“We want to thank Waylon for his service to the club during the last four seasons,” said Sporting Director and Head Coach Gregg Berhalter. “Waylon’s contributions helped shape Crew SC’s style of play and we wish him the best of luck in the next stage of his career.”

Francis made seven MLS Cup Playoffs appearances (all starts) during his four seasons with the club, helping Columbus win the 2015 Eastern Conference Championship. That same year, the defender was named to the MLS All-Star roster and awarded Crew SC’s Defender of the Year Award.

The MLS offseason continues with the MLS Re-Entry Draft Stage One occurring tomorrow, Friday, December 15 at 3 p.m. ET. Stage Two of the Re-Entry Draft takes place on Thursday, December 21 at 2 p.m. ET.

TRANSACTION

Columbus Crew SC acquires $50,000 in General Allocation Money in exchange for defender Waylon Francis on December 14, 2017.