Columbus Crew SC today announced that it has signed midfielder Rodrigo Saravia (pronounced: suh-RAH-vee-ah). The 22-year-old was the club's First Round selection in the 2016 MLS SuperDraft (19th overall). Saravia will occupy an international roster spot.
“Rodrigo has shown well during our first preseason camp in Lakewood Ranch and we are eager to monitor his development,” said Sporting Director and Head Coach Gregg Berhalter. “We selected him based on both his play and his character and he has certainly showed promise thus far. He will provide important midfield depth to our squad and we are confident that he will continue to develop as he transitions from college to the professional game.”
Prior to being chosen by the Black & Gold at the 2016 MLS SuperDraft in Baltimore, Saravia played four seasons at Florida Gulf Coast University, making 67 appearances (65 starts) with two goals and seven assists. Born and raised in Guatemala City, Guatemala, he has trained with the senior Guatemalan National Team as well as at the Under-23 and U-20 levels.
In 2015, Saravia was named the Atlantic Sun Conference Player of the Year as well as being named First Team All-Atlantic Sun Conference for the second consecutive season. He helped FGCU win its fourth consecutive Atlantic Sun Conference regular-season championship in 2014.
HEAR FROM RODRIGO SARAVIA ON SIGNING WITH COLUMBUS CREW SC: http://crew.sc/1X4Jtal
The Black & Gold continue their preseason with their first camp in Lakewood Ranch, Florida through February 5. After that camp, Crew SC trains at SuperKick from February 8-12 before departing to participate in the Desert Diamond Cup from February 15-27. The Black & Gold begin their 21st season on Sunday, March 6 at Portland and return home for the Opening Match at MAPFRE Stadium on Saturday, March 12 against Philadelphia. Single-match tickets for available sections at all Black & Gold regular-season home matches in 2016 are set to go on sale to the general public on Friday, February 5 at 10:00 a.m. ET. Tickets will be available through ColumbusCrewSC.com, by calling a Crew SC ticket representative at 614-447-2739 or by visiting Ticketmaster.com.
TRANSACTION: Columbus Crew SC signs 2016 MLS SuperDraft selection Rodrigo Saravia on February 4, 2016. He will occupy an international roster spot.
Name: Rodrigo Saravia (suh-RAH-vee-ah)
Position: Midfielder
Height: 5'11"
Weight: 170
Born: February 22, 1993 in Guatemala City, Guatemala
Hometown: Guatemala City, Guatemala
Citizenship: Guatemala
Acquired: Selected in the First Round (19th overall) in the 2016 MLS SuperDraft on January 14, 2016, signed on February 4, 2016. He will occupy an international roster spot.
Previous Experience: Florida Gulf Coast University (2012-2015)
