COLUMBUS — Columbus Crew SC today announced that it has signed defender Vito Wormgoor (pronounced: VEE-toh worm-HOOR). A Netherlands native, Wormgoor joins Crew SC after having last played for SK Brann in the Norwegian topflight. The veteran defender brings 12 years of European club experience and has made 315 professional appearances. Wormgoor will be added to the Black & Gold roster following receipt of his International Transfer Certificate and P-1 Visa and will occupy an international roster spot.

“We are excited to have Vito join Columbus Crew SC,” said Crew SC President and General Manager Tim Bezbatchenko. “Vito is a talented and seasoned veteran who has made over 300 appearances in multiple professional European leagues. We believe that his leadership will be a great asset to our team and look forward to seeing his impact on the field.”

Wormgoor most recently played for SK Brann of Norway’s First Division from 2017-2019. During his three seasons with Brann, the defender served as the team’s captain, making 86 appearances (all starts), scoring 11 goals and providing four assists in the Eliteserien. Wormgoor also made two appearances (all starts) and provided one assist in a 2017-2018 Europa League Qualifiers series against Slovakian side Ruzomberok. Prior to his time with SK Brann, Wormgoor spent the second half of the 2016 season with Aalesund of Norway’s topflight, where he made 11 appearances (10 starts).

A product of the AFC Ajax Academy, Wormgoor began his professional career in the Netherlands with FC Utrecht, where he made nine appearances (all starts) during the 2008-2009 season. Following his time with FC Utrecht, the defender joined Dutch side De Graafschap Doetinchem, where he played from 2009-2012, making 93 appearances (92 starts), while registering three goals and three assists. Notably, Wormgoor helped De Graafschap Doetinchem win the Eerste Divisie – the Netherlands’ Second Division – in 2010. After his stint with De Graafschap Doetinchem, the defender signed with ADO Den Haag of the Eredivisie, making 114 appearances (111 starts) while tallying four goals and two assists from 2012-2016.

Wormgoor has also represented the Netherlands internationally at the Under-20 level, making two appearances (two starts) for the Dutch squad.

TRANSACTION: Columbus Crew SC signs free agent defender Vito Wormgoor on December 18, 2019. He will be added to the Black & Gold roster following receipt of his International Transfer Certificate and P-1 Visa and will occupy an international roster spot.

Name: Vito Wormgoor (pronounced: VEE-toh worm-HOOR)

Position: Defender

Height: 6’2”

Weight: 179

Born: November 16, 1988 in Leersum, Netherlands

Hometown: Leersum, Netherlands

Citizenship: Netherlands

Acquired: Signed by Crew SC as a free agent on December 18, 2019. He will be added to Columbus Crew SC’s roster following receipt of his International Transfer Certificate and P-1 Visa and will occupy an international roster spot.

Previous Experience: SK Brann (2017-2019), Aalesund (2016), ADO Den Haag (2012-2016), Graafschap Doetinchem (2009-2012), FC Utrecht (2008-2009)