COLUMBUS, Ohio - The Crew announced today that it has acquired veteran defender Ezra Hendrickson from Chivas USA in exchange for a conditional pick in the 2007 MLS SuperDraft.
To make room for Hendrickson on the roster, The Crew waived defender Joel Kitamirike.
"I am happy to be rejoining my former coach," said Hendrickson, who played in Los Angeles with Crew Head Coach Sigi Schmid from 1999-2003. "I won three trophies with Sigi and The Crew is at a point where they made a lot of changes and are heading in the right direction. With my experience, I want to come in and help out wherever I am needed."
The 10-year MLS veteran has not appeared in any games for Chivas this season after starting 31 games for the club in 2005. The native of Layou, St. Vincent, has appeared in 206 MLS games in his career, including 177 starts. He has tallied 21 goals and 28 assists. Hendrickson has also seen action in 31 playoff games, starting 26, and has five goals and three assists.
"Adding Ezra is a big plus for us," said Schmid. "He has championship experience and is a player who I have a long and positive history with and who will be a valuable addition to our team."
Hendrickson has helped two clubs capture MLS Cup titles, his first with Los Angeles in 2002 and again with D.C. in 2004. Besides Los Angeles (1997-2003), D.C. (2004) and Chivas (2005-2006), he has also played for New York (1997) and Dallas (2003).
The 34-year-old has been a member of the Saint Vincent and the Grenadines national team since 1995 and has served as its captain on numerous occasions.
Hendrickson attended Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa.
Kitamirike was signed in the offseason but had appeared in just one game this season, playing 19 minutes as a substitute on April 15.
EZRA HENDRICKSON
Position: Defender
Height: 6-3
Weight: 185
Birthdate: January 16, 1972 (34)
Hometown: Layou, St. Vincent
Transaction: The Crew has acquired defender Ezra Hendrickson from Chivas USA in exchange for a conditional draft pick in the 2007 MLS SuperDraft. The Crew waived defender Joel Kitamirike.
