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Columbus Crew SC

Crew Acquires Fraser from Colorado

January 14, 2004 - Major League Soccer (MLS)
Columbus Crew SC News Release


COLUMBUS, Ohio (Wednesday, January 14) - Columbus Crew President and General Manager Jim Smith announced today that The Crew has acquired defender Robin Fraser from the Colorado Rapids in exchange for The Crew's 16th overall pick in Friday's MLS SuperDraft and a conditional pick in the 2005 MLS SuperDraft.

"The Crew has always had a good team and I am extremely excited to be heading to Columbus," said Fraser. "It's obvious in the moves that they have made that they are going after a championship and I am glad to be a part of that. I am looking forward to helping lead this team, not only in developing the younger players, but also pushing the team wherever is needed."

Fraser has been in Major League Soccer since its inception in 1996 after being selected with the fourth overall pick by Los Angeles in the inaugural MLS Draft in 1996. He is a four-time MLS All-Star (1996, '98, '99, 2000), a four-time MLS Best 11 selection (1996, '98, '99, 2000) and was named the MLS Defender of the Year in 1999.

The central defender has appeared in 203 regular season games, starting 199, and has one goal and four assists. His games started total ranks eighth all-time in MLS history and his games played figure ranks ninth all-time. He has appeared in 20 or more games in each of his eight MLS seasons. Fraser spent his first five years in Los Angeles (1996-2000) before being traded to Colorado prior to the 2001 season.

"We expect Robin to be a key component as we continue to build our 2004 team," said Crew Head Coach Greg Andrulis. "He's experienced, he's a leader, and he is a very talented center back. He is a valuable addition to our team."

The former Florida International University star has also appeared in 28 career playoff games, all starts, and has tallied one goal and one assist. On the international level, Fraser has made 27 appearances for the U.S. National Team.

"Robin Fraser has been one of the league's top defenders since its inception and he is a consummate professional," Smith said. "He brings a wealth of experience and consistency to our back line and we are thrilled to add him to our roster."

Fraser will join The Crew at the start of February when the team reports for camp. The 2004 MLS SuperDraft takes place this Friday in Charlotte (N.C.) starting at 10 a.m.

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