The MLS Cup-champion Columbus Crew announced Wednesday that they have signed Dublin native and former Ohio State All-American Eric Brunner after acquiring his rights from the New York Red Bulls in exchange for a conditional selection in the 2011 MLS SuperDraft. Per club policy, no further terms of the deal were disclosed.
The 23-year-old Brunner, a 6-4, 170-pound defender, joins the Crew after most recently playing for Miami FC of the United Soccer Leagues First Division, where he played in 11 games during the USL1 regular season and playoffs. He also made four appearances in the 2008 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup. Originally selected by New York in the second round (No. 16 overall) of the 2008 MLS SuperDraft, Brunner began the 2008 MLS season with the Red Bulls before departing in May to join Miami. He has yet to make his MLS debut.
"Eric is known quantity, obviously, being from the Columbus area and having trained with us periodically over the last couple of years," said technical director Brian Bliss. "We are well aware of what he can do and know he can provide us cover in a couple of different spots on the field."
A 2004 graduate of Dublin Scioto High School, Brunner went on to earn a number of accolades during a three-year career at Ohio State, where he was coached by John Bluem, who also serves as a color commentator on Crew home radio broadcasts. Brunner finished his time at Ohio State having played in 89 games, 79 of them starting assignments, while totaling 10 goals and four assists. In addition to serving as the Buckeyes' captain during his senior year, when he helped lead Ohio State to an appearance in the 2007 NCAA College Cup Final, he was named to the NSCAA All-America First Team, NSCAA All-Region First Team, All-Big 10 First Team and the College Cup All-Tournament team. He transferred to Ohio State after spending his freshman season at Maryland, where he appeared in 21 games, with 11 starts, and tallied one assist.
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 is currently the reigning MLS Cup Champion and it has also won the 2002 U.S. Open Cup championship and MLS Supporters' Shield titles in 2004 and 2008. It will open its 14th season and defense of its MLS Cup championship this Saturday, March 21, at the Houston Dynamo and will open its 11th season in first-of-its-kind Columbus Crew Stadium on Saturday, March 28, against Toronto FC.
TRANSACTION:
Columbus Crew - Acquired rights to D Eric Brunner from New York, in exchange for conditional selection in the 2011 MLS SuperDraft.
NAME: Eric Brunner
NUMBER: 23
POSITION: D
HEIGHT: 6-4
WEIGHT: 170
BIRTHDATE: February 12, 1986
HOMETOWN: Dublin, OH
LAST CLUB: Miami FC (USL)
