The Columbus Crew has completed its back line with Michael Parkhurst. The Black and Gold sent the 4th pick in Thursday’s MLS SuperDraft draft and allocation money to the New England Revolution for the rights to Parkhurst – a member of the U.S. National Team. Parkhurst was released from his contract by FC Augsburg earlier Monday and made his Crew signing official shortly after.
ESPN’s Jeffery Carlisle reported the allocation money given to New England was $100,000 and that the 30-year-old Parkhurst’s salary will exceed $300,000 this season.
Though there are obvious risks to the deal, Parkhurst is one of the best defenders in the MLS. Considered to be one of the League’s stronger locker room presences, Parkhurst has the potential to help anchor a young and developing defensive unit. Expect 25-year-old Josh Williams to improve under Parkhurst’s leadership as well.
Parkhurst played 115 games with New England Revolution, amassing only 32 fouls and three yellow cards. He has one of the best headers in the League, and a high soccer IQ.
With the addition of Parkhurst, the Crew’s defense instantly turns from a middle-of-the-pack group to one of MLS’s more formidable units. With less than two weeks before training camp, Columbus still has both significant cap space and allocation money remaining. Look for the team to add a high-profile striker before camp opens.