COLUMBUS, Ohio - Columbus Crew Head Coach Greg Andrulis announced today that midfielder/defender Duncan Oughton has signed a multi-year contract that will keep him in Columbus through the 2005 season and beyond. Per league policy, no terms of the contract were disclosed.
"I am very excited to sign a new contract and to come back to The Crew," said Oughton. "It was hard to swallow the way last year ended. We have a lot of potential on this team and we are looking forward to the upcoming season. Europe was a place I was looking and my agent had a few trials set up, but when I really thought about it, there was just too much unfinished business here in a place where the organization, the fans, and my teammates have been so good to me. Columbus needs an MLS Championship and I want to be a part of that. I would like to thank my coaches, my teammates, the Crew Organization, our fans, MLS, my agent Craig Sharon, and my friends and family for all their support."
The 2004 season was Oughton's fourth year in Columbus and MLS. He was named the team's Huntington Man of the Year in 2004, which is presented to the player who embodies an exceptional sense of leadership, civic pride, family values and community service. Oughton was The Crew's First Round MLS SuperDraft pick (10th overall) in 2001 out of Cal State Fullerton.
"Duncan is very deserving of this new contract," said Andrulis. "He is a valuable asset to the organization and was a very important piece of our lineup this past season. His versatility and ability to play multiple positions is a tremendous benefit to our team."
The New Zealand native has played in 91 career games (68 starts) for the Black & Gold, and has two career goals and six assists for 10 points. He has also appeared in and started seven playoff games. Oughton appeared in 28 games (21 starts) for The Crew in 2004 and tallied his first two career goals as well as one assist. He notched his first career goal on August 21 vs. D.C., but it was his second that was historic. His goal in The Crew's 1-1 tie at Colorado on October 16 helped Columbus clinch its first-ever Supporters' Shield for the top regular-season record in MLS.
