COLUMBUS – Columbus Crew SC today announced that the it has acquired $125,000 in Targeted Allocation Money (TAM) from the Colorado Rapids. In exchange, Crew SC sent defender Lalas Abubakar on loan for the remainder of the 2019 Major League Soccer season.

“We believe that this MLS season-long loan will give Lalas the opportunity to gain valuable minutes,” said Crew SC President Tim Bezbatchenko. “The Targeted Allocation Money we have received in exchange will benefit us as we continue to shape our roster.”

Abubakar, 24, was selected by the Crew in the First Round of the 2017 MLS SuperDraft, with the fifth overall pick. To date, he has made 31 regular-season appearances (27 starts) and scored two goals for the Black & Gold. Prior to joining Crew SC, Abubakar played three seasons at the University of Dayton from 2014-2016, making 61 appearances (60 starts), scoring four goals and recording six assists during his time there.

Crew SC continues a stretch of three matches in eight days, hosting two Western Conference opponents at MAPFRE Stadium this week. Crew SC’s two-match homestand begins against the LA Galaxy today, Wednesday, May 8 [7:30 p.m. ET / FOX Sports Ohio, FOX Sports GO (Stream) / 97.1 The Fan & TheFan.com (English);ColumbusCrewSC.com (Spanish)].

TRANSACTION: Columbus Crew SC acquired $125,000 in Targeted Allocation Money from the Colorado Rapids. In exchange, the Black & Gold sent defender Lalas Abubakar on loan to Colorado for the remainder of the 2019 MLS season. The announcement was made on May 8, 2019.