COLUMBUS – The Columbus Crew announced today that it has re-signed forward Jairo Arrieta. The Costa Rican forward returns to Columbus for his third campaign in Black & Gold. Per Major League Soccer and club policy, further details of the contract were not disclosed.

“We are pleased to welcome Jairo back to the club. He’s an extremely hard-working player and a dedicated teammate,” said Crew Sporting Director and Head Coach Gregg Berhalter. “As he’s shown throughout his time in Columbus, Jairo has the talent to score goals and we look forward to his continued contributions in 2014.”



Arrieta has made 44 appearances – including 39 starts – with the Crew since originally signing on April 26, 2012. During his time in Columbus, the forward has scored 12 goals and added eight assists. After a nine-goal, four-assist clip in 18 matches in 2012, Arrieta matched his career high in assists (four) and game-winning assists (three) while also missing a portion of the season on international duty with Costa Rica during 2013. Of his 15 total caps with Los Ticos since 2011, 11 of them were earned during this calendar year as the Nicoya, Costa Rica native made nine starts and scored four goals across call-ups for the 2013 Copa Centroamericana, international friendlies, 2014 FIFA World Cup Qualifying and the 2013 Gold Cup.



Prior to MLS, Arrieta spent five seasons with Deportivo Saprissa from 2006-2012, where he scored 45 goals in 161 appearances in the Costa Rican First Division and CONCACAF Champions League. He was also the goal scoring runner-up in the 2011 Campeonato de Invierno. Saprissa won five Costa Rican First Division championships during Arrieta's time with the club. His career began with Brujas FC in 2004 in the club’s inaugural season. While at Brujas, he appeared in 56 matches and scored 11 goals over two campaigns.



The Crew begins the 2014 season at D.C. United on Saturday, March 8. Before then, the club continues preparation for the 2014 MLS SuperDraft and preseason training. For more information on catching the Black & Gold in 2014 – visit TheCrew.com/tickets.



TRANSACTION: Crew re-signs forward Jairo Arrieta.