COLUMBUS, Ohio - The Columbus Crew announced today that it has acquired forward Nicolas Hernandez from the Colorado Rapids in exchange for defender Tim Ward and the Crew's natural third-round selection in the 2009 MLS Supplemental Draft. Hernandez becomes the second Argentine on the Crew's roster, joining 2007 team MVP Guillermo Barros Schelotto.
In two MLS seasons, Hernandez has scored eight goals and added seven assists in 51 games, 46 of them starts. A skillful striker with a nose for open space, the 28-year-old Hernandez had a prolific first season in MLS (2006), when he tallied seven goals and six assists and was named the Rapids' Most Valuable Player. His versatility and stamina were vital to the Rapids in 2007 as he contributed minutes all across the midfield in addition to at forward.
Ward appeared in 17 MLS games during his two-year stint with the Crew, 12 of them starting assignments, since being acquired from New York on January 12, 2006. He started all six games in which he appeared in 2007, after seeing action in 11 contests in 2006.
"We are excited to acquire Nico Hernandez, a proven MLS player with a great work ethic and a player I think will help our team become more dangerous offensively," said Crew Head Coach Sigi Schmid. "I want to thank Timmy (Ward) for his efforts on behalf of the Crew and wish him all the best in his new situation in Colorado."
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 and U.S. Open Cup champion in 2002, it will open its 13th season overall and 10th in first-of-its-kind Columbus Crew Stadium on Saturday, March 29, when it plays host to Eastern Conference-rival Toronto FC.
TRANSACTION:
Columbus Crew - Acquired F Nicolas Hernandez from Colorado, in exchange for D Tim Ward and the Crew's natural third-round selection in the 2009 MLS Supplemental Draft.
NAME: Nicolas Hernandez
POSITION: Forward
HEIGHT: 5-10; weight:170
BIRTHDATE: May 4, 1979
HOMETOWN: Buenos Aires, Argentina
LAST CLUB: Colorado Rapids
