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MLS Columbus Crew SC

Crew acquires David Testo from Richmond

February 20, 2004 - Major League Soccer (MLS)
Columbus Crew SC News Release


COLUMBUS, Ohio (Friday, February 20) - Columbus Crew President and General Manager Jim Smith announced today that The Crew has acquired U.S. Under-23 National Team forward David Testo on loan from the Richmond Kickers of the Division II A-League. The Crew also has an option to purchase Testo's contract from Richmond at the end of the 2004 season. The acquisition was one of three discovery options the team has in 2004, while financial terms were not disclosed. He is currently with The Crew in Florida for spring training.

"I am happy that everything worked out for everyone involved," said Testo. "I walked into a good opportunity with Columbus and will get a fair chance to show my abilities. It is also nice to be staying close to the east coast and to be joining a young team with some good veterans. I am very excited."

Testo recently returned from Mexico where he was a member of the U.S. U-23 National Team that was attempting to qualify for the 2004 Olympics. The U.S. lost in the semifinals to host Mexico and did not qualify. The former North Carolina star appeared in three of the five games for the U.S. in final qualifying, starting two.

Over the past two years, he has appeared in 13 games for the U-23 National Team, starting eight, and has tallied five goals and five assists for 15 points.

"David is a young player who is very versatile," said Crew Head Coach Greg Andrulis. "He can play up top or out wide. He has already experienced the professional level and has just begun his international career. We feel we've added a player with a tremendous upside."

Testo ended his four-year college career after the 2002-03 school year and then spent the 2003 season with Richmond. His professional career started off on a high note as he was named the A-League Rookie of the Year after totaling 14 points on six goals and two assists. He was the third-leading scorer for Richmond while appearing in 28 games, 23 starts.

"We are pleased that the negotiations have been successfully completed and that we've added a young player of David's caliber to our roster," Smith said. "He is a talented player, with international experience, who we expect will help provide us with the attacking depth we were looking for."

The Arden, N.C. native spent his first two years of college at the University of South Carolina before transferring to the University of North Carolina for his junior and senior seasons. His junior season at UNC turned out to be memorable as he helped lead the Tar Heels to a 21-4 record and the 2001 College Cup title, beating Indiana 2-0 at Crew Stadium. He ended his college career with 74 points on 24 goals and 26 assists.

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