COLUMBUS, Ohio - Columbus Crew General Manager Mark McCullers and Head Coach Greg Andrulis announced today that The Crew has signed Panamanian midfielder Luis Gallardo to a developmental contract.
Per team and league policy, no terms of the deal were disclosed. He will be classified as a Youth International and is eligible to play this weekend.
The 18-year-old Gallardo is a regular starter on the Panamanian Under-20 National Team that will compete at the World Youth Championship in Holland (June 10-July 2). Gallardo started all three games for Panama in qualifying for the World Youth Championship that were held in California in January. He scored one goal.
"Luis is a very good player who will only continue to get better," said Andrulis. "At 18, he is the second youngest player on our team but he has tremendous potential and is a great addition to our team."
The 5-8 midfielder was playing in the Perez Zeledon system in Costa Rica. With Gallardo's signing, The Crew has filled its 10-man developmental roster.
LUIS GALLARDO
Position: Midfielder
Height: 5-8
Weight: 155
Born: 6/27/1986 in David Chirequi, Panama (18)
Hometown: Paso Canoas, Panama
Citizenship: Panamanian
How Acquired: Singed by The Crew on April 28, 2005
TRANSACTION: Signed Panamanian midfielder Luis Gallardo as a development player.
