COLUMBUS, Ohio - The Columbus Crew announced today that it has acquired goalkeeper Noah Palmer from Real Salt Lake in exchange for its first round draft pick in the 2007 MLS Supplemental Draft and the rights to Duke Hashimoto.
Palmer was selected in the third round (25th overall) of the 2005 MLS Supplemental Draft, but missed the 2005 season after shoulder surgery. He has not appeared in any first-team games for RSL this year but has appeared in one reserve game, notching a shutout win.
"Our goalkeeping situation is pretty unique and pretty significant," said Crew Head Coach Sigi Schmid. "We have four goalkeepers on our roster and they are all injured. Obviously we needed to do something. Noah Palmer had great success at Maryland, leading them to three College Cups in four years and we felt he was one of the best options available. He comes from a successful program and knows what it takes to be a winner."
The Williamsburg, Va., native was a four-year starter at Maryland and is the school's all-time shutouts leader with 34. He ended his career with a 0.86 goals-against average, including a school, single-season record goals-against average of 0.59 as a junior. He was a two-time, second-team All-ACC selection and was a member of the U-18 National Team.
All four Crew goalkeepers that are on the roster are out injured. Starter Jon Busch tore his right ACL in Saturday's (May 20) game vs. D.C. United, while last year's starter Jonny Walker is on season-ending injured reserve with a lower back injury. Second-year goalkeeper Bill Gaudette and rookie Andy Gruenebaum both have broken right hands.
Hashimoto was drafted in the fourth round of the 2006 MLS SuperDraft but was not currently under contract. He did not join The Crew until early May after finishing his degree at SMU.
NOAH PALMER
Position: Goalkeeper
Height: 6-3
Weight: 199
Birthdate: April 21, 1983 (23) in Virginia Beach, Va.
Hometown: Williamsburg, Va.
College: Maryland
Professional Experience: Real Salt Lake, MLS (2005-2006)
