COLUMBUS, Ohio -
The MLS Cup-champion Columbus Crew announced Thursday that it has re-signed midfielder Kevin Burns to a developmental contract. Per club and league policy, no further terms of the deal were disclosed.
Burns was originally selected by the Crew in the fourth round (No. 50 overall) of the 2007 MLS Supplemental Draft out of the University of Connecticut. He spent the 2007 season with the Rochester Raging Rhinos of the United Soccer Leagues First Division, where he made 17 appearances for the Rhinos and was named the club's Rookie of the Year. Burns was forced to sit out the entire 2008 MLS season after suffering a right ankle injury during preseason training with the Crew.
"We are pleased to get Kevin signed this year. He was a player who we thought had good potential last year, but unfortunately he was injured early on and was unable to contribute," said technical director Brian Bliss. "We expect him to pick up where he left off last year and help us solidify our central midfield. He is a smart player who reads the game well and can distribute the ball well over distance."
Burns moves into the roster spot previously occupied by goalkeeper Kenny Schoeni, who has been waived. Schoeni did not appear in a regular-season match during his lone season in Columbus. He made five appearances, four of them starts, with a 0.80 goals-against average and two shutouts for the Black & Gold in the 2008 MLS Reserve Division.
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 is currently in its 14th season overall and 11th in first-of-its-kind Columbus Crew Stadium.
Kevin Burns - No. 15
Position: Midfielder
Height: 6-1
Weight: 175
Born: March 22, 1985, Indianapolis, IN
Hometown: Greenfield, IN
Citizenship: United States
College: Connecticut
Roster Designation: Domestic (Developmental)
Last Team: Columbus (MLS)
TRANSACTION:
Columbus Crew (MLS) - Signed M Kevin Burns, waived GK Kenny Schoeni.
