AMSTERDAM – St. Louis University star striker Robbie Kristo has signed with Serie B promotion battlers Spezia after impressing manager Nenad Bjelica on an extended trial.
The 22-year-old American, who was born in Bosnia and holds a Croatian passport, was a third round pick of Columbus Crew SC in January's MLS SuperDraft. Kristo had been training with the Little Eagles since January.
The 6-foot-4 forward arrives in the Italian leagues after piling up 41 goals and 15 assists in 74 appearances for SLU. The local high school grad earned a first-team NSCAA All-American nod after netting third-team honors the previous two seasons.
Through 26 Serie B rounds, Spezia stand eighth to hold the last promotion playoff spot. Typically playing a two-forward set, the club are easily led in scoring by 10-goal man Andrea Catellani.
