The Columbus Crew announced Wednesday that it has signed Venezuelan forward Emilio Renteria, who will be added to the club's roster upon approval of his P-1 visa work permit. Per club and league policy, no further terms of the deal were disclosed.
"Emilio has been on our radar for some time now and we're pleased to get him signed," said Crew technical director Brian Bliss. "He possesses good speed, quickness and long-range shooting ability and we're excited to incorporate him into the team."
Renteria, 24, began his professional career in Spain, where he competed in the Spanish second division with Levante UD from 2001-04. He then returned to his homeland to compete in the Venezuelan first division, first with Deportivo Italia, where scored 12 goals during the 2004-05 season. Renteria then joined UA Maracaibo, where he totaled 14 goals in two seasons (2005-07), while also helping lead his side to two appearances in the Copa Libertadores, the most prestigious club competition in South America.
Most recently, Renteria played for Caracas FC of the Venezuelan top flight from 2007-09. He tallied 16 goals in that span, while once again helping his club to two appearances in Copa Libertadores, including a run to the quarterfinals in 2009, the club's best-ever finish in that competition.
Renteria has also represented the Venezuelan National Team at the Under-17, U-20, U-23 and Senior levels, totaling 19 total goals at the youth levels and three goals with the senior team in friendly matches.
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 the reigning MLS Cup Champion and 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 season in first-of-its-kind Columbus Crew Stadium.
No. 20 - Emilio Renteria
Position: Forward
Height: 5-9
Weight: 178
Born: October 2, 1984 (Caracas, Venezuela)
Hometown: Caracas, Venezuela
Citizenship: Venezuela
Last Team: Caracas FC (Venezuelan first division)
How Acquired: Signed by the Crew via discovery on Aug. 17, 2009.
Professional Experience: Levante UD, Spain (2001-04); Deportivo Italia, Venezuela (2004-05); UA Maracaibo, Venezuela (2005-07); Caracas FC, Venezuela (2007-09)
TRANSACTION:
Columbus Crew (MLS) - Signed F Emilio Renteria.
