COLUMBUS, Ohio - The Columbus Crew announced today that it has signed defender Andrei Pacheco to a developmental contract. Per club and league policy, no further terms of the deal were disclosed.
Pacheco fills a developmental roster spot made available when rookie midfielder Brad Evans was placed on season-ending injured reserve. Evans, a former UC-Irvine standout who was the Crew's first selection in the 2007 MLS SuperDraft (No. 15 overall), has been battling a torn left hip flexor muscle for much of the season and has not played since May 26. He appeared in a total of four games, starting once, and tallied one assist.
Pacheco, a Trinidad & Tobago National Team player who participated in the CONCACAF Gold Cup in June, comes to the Crew from W Connection FC of the Professional Football League of Trinidad. A 22-year-old, left-footed defender who made his Trinidad & Tobago National Team debut in August 2006 against Japan, he will be classified as a youth international.
The Crew returns to action on Sunday (Sept. 2), with an important match against the Colorado Rapids at Crew Stadium at 3 p.m. Columbus and Colorado are currently tied for the eighth playoff position.
No. 29 - Andrei Pacheco
Position: Defender
Height: 6-1
Weight: 180 lbs.
Born: Sept. 20, 1984
Citizenship: Trinidad & Tobago
Last Team: W Connection FC (Trinidad)
How Acquired: Signed on August 31, 2007
Professional Experience: W Connection FC, Trinidad Professional Football League (2001-07)
