The Columbus Crew announced today that it has acquired a conditional second-round selection in the 2011 MLS SuperDraft and allocation money from Philadelphia Union, in exchange for midfielder Brian Carroll. Per club and league policy, no further terms of the deal were disclosed.



Carroll, 29, was acquired by the Crew from San Jose on Nov. 26, 2007, in exchange for Kei Kamara. While in Black & Gold he started all but one of his 84 games played, logging 7,375 minutes and tallying two goals and three assists. Carroll has been instrumental in helping the Crew to two Supporter’s Shields (2008, 2009), one MLS Cup (2008), one U.S. Open Cup final (2010) and the CONCACAF Champions League quarterfinals for two consecutive years (2009, 2010).



“One of our expansion draft scenarios had Brian unprotected,” said Crew Technical Director Brian Bliss. ”As these discussions with Philadelphia arose, we began seeing an opportunity to achieve some objectives. We acquired allocation money, a 2011 Superdraft second-round pick and solidified our expansion draft strategy while clearing some cap room to provide resources for our 2011 key priorities. Unfortunately, we must provide value to get value and Brian Carroll is valuable. He's a great pro and a great person who helped us win two Supporters Shields and an MLS Cup and we wish him the best in Philadelphia.”



Prior to signing with the Crew, Carroll spent five seasons with D.C. United where he won one MLS Cup (2004) and two Supporter Shields (2006 and 2007) in 121 games played, recording two goals and 11 assists.



Founded by American sports pioneer Lamar Hunt, the Columbus Crew is Ohio's Major League Soccer club, anchoring a diverse sports and entertainment enterprise. One of the league's Charter Members, it won its first MLS Cup championship in 2008 and has also won the 2002 U.S. Open Cup and MLS Supporters’ Shield titles in 2004, 2008 and 2009. It recently completed its 15th season overall and 12th in first-of-its-kind Columbus Crew Stadium.



TRANSACTION:

Columbus Crew – Traded M Brian Carroll in exchange for conditional second-round pick in 2011 MLS SuperDraft and allocation money