COLUMBUS - Columbus Crew General Manager Mark McCullers and Crew Head Coach Greg Andrulis announced today that The Crew has acquired midfielder Stephen Armstrong to fill a roster spot that was made available due to three Crew players being out for the season with injuries.
Per team and league policy, no terms of the deal were disclosed. He will be classified as a Senior International. Armstrong was born in England but has dual citizenship with South Africa.
"I am very excited to join Columbus," said Armstrong. "Individually, the first step is to get on the field and help the team. Collectively, we have a lot of potential and talent on this team and we need to put together a run, get in the playoffs and make something happen. I really like the city and the organization and I am looking forward to playing in Columbus."
Armstrong spent three years in Major League Soccer with D.C. United (2001) and the Kansas City Wizards (2002-2003), appearing in 64 games (34 starts) and totaling eight goals and six assists. He also played in six playoff games (one start). Armstrong missed the 2004 season after having right ACL surgery in June of 2004.
"Stephen Armstrong is a significant signing due to his ability to play numerous positions as well as his previous MLS experience," said Andrulis. "Steve is a fierce competitor who brings a great deal of passion to the field everyday."
Goalkeeper Jon Busch (right ACL tear), defender/midfielder Duncan Oughton (right knee surgery) and midfielder Ross Paule (post-concussion syndrome) are all out for the season.
STEPHEN ARMSTRONG
Position: Midfielder
Height: 5-10
Weight: 175
Born: 7/23/1976 in Birkenhead, England (28)
Hometown: Cape Town, South Africa
Citizenship: England/South African
College: Butler
How Acquired: Acquired on June 18, 2005 as a replacement player due to three season-ending injuries.
