Columbus Crew SC today announced that it has signed free agent defender and two-time Major League Soccer All-Star Corey Ashe (pronounced: ASH). Per club and MLS policy, additional details of the transaction were not disclosed. Ashe, 29, brings nine years of MLS experience to Crew SC. A defender with additional MLS experience playing in midfield, he has recorded one goal and 21 assists over 220 MLS regular-season appearances (163 starts) and has been a member of three MLS Cup finalist teams (2007, 2011, 2012).

Ashe helped the Houston Dynamo win the MLS Cup in his rookie season in 2007 after joining the club as a Second Round selection in the 2007 MLS SuperDraft (26th overall). Formerly of the University of North Carolina, Ashe spent parts of nine seasons with Houston before being traded to Orlando City SC midway through the 2015 campaign.



“We would like to thank Corey for choosing Columbus Crew SC. He is a dynamic fullback who has played a big role on successful teams throughout his tenure in this League,” said Sporting Director and Head Coach Gregg Berhalter. “He has won an MLS Cup, has played in two more and will provide veteran leadership and experience to our backline. We feel that Corey will be an ideal fit for our system.”

From 2007 through 2014, Ashe appeared in at least 21 games in every season, making a career-high 30 starts in both 2011 and 2012. He helped Houston win back-to-back Eastern Conference Championships in those two seasons, starting in both the 2011 and the 2012 MLS Cup.

ASHE'S PLAYER BIO: http://bit.ly/AsheBio



Ashe was named as an MLS All-Star in both 2011 and 2013, appearing against Manchester United on July 27, 2011 at Red Bull Arena while starting against AS Roma on July 31, 2013 in Kansas City.



TRANSACTION: Columbus Crew SC signs free agent defender Corey Ashe on December 18, 2015.

Name: Corey Ashe

Pronunciation: ASH

Position: Defender

Height: 5'5"

Weight: 154

Born: March 14, 1986 in Orange County, CA

Hometown: Virginia Beach, VA

Citizenship: United States

Acquired: Signed as a free agent on December 18, 2015

Previous Experience: Orlando City SC (2015), Houston Dynamo (2007-2015)