Columbus Crew acquire Hector Jimenez, Michael Parkhurst

Gregg Berhalter’s Columbus Crew got a massive shot in the arm when they acquired Los Angeles Galaxy midfielder Hector Jimenez, as well as the club’s 14th overall selection in this year’s MLS SuperDraft. As part of the deal, Los Angeles acquired the second-round pick (23rd overall) and allocation money.

Aug 3, 2013; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Galaxy midfielder Hector Jimenez (16) leaps over Juventus midfielder Claudio Marchisio (8) during second half action at the Guiness International Champions Cup semifinals at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports /

“Hector’s been a guy that we had been following for a while,” Berhalter told MLSsoccer.com’s Andrew King. “As it turns out, the timing of the deal made a first-round pick available as well.

“We’re getting a very versatile player, a player who is very technical with good transition speed and likes to combine and can really play the ball in tight spaces. [Jimenez] can play on either side, he can play in the middle. … We’re going to look at him in a number of positions.”

However, there is already a lot of depth at winger, with Ben Speak, Ethan Finlay, Bernardo Anor and Dominic Oduro. Still, it never hurts to have a little extra.

“In that position, I feel that depth is important,” Berhalter added. “I also feel that [Jimenez] comes from a good place. He’s played with a lot of good players, and he’s a high-level player.

“We felt that at 23 we were kind of outside of that bubble a little bit, and we wanted to get back in it. As this deal kind of unraveled, there was a chance for that, and we took it. With all the talks going around with all the teams, you never know. There are deals being made hourly, so it could change.”

Name: Hector Jimenez
Position: Midfielder
Height: 5’9”
Weight: 140
Born: November 3, 1988 in Huntington Park, California
Hometown: Bell Gardens, California
Citizenship: United States
Acquired: Acquired along with a First Round 2014 MLS SuperDraft selection (14th overall) from the LA Galaxy in exchange for the Crew’s Second Round 2014 MLS SuperDraft selection (23rd overall) and allocation money
Professional Experience: LA Galaxy (2011-2013)

In addition, the Crew acquired Michael Parkhurst from the New England Revolution in exchange for a first round SuperDraft pick and allocation money.

Jul 28, 2013; Chicago, IL, USA; Panama player Gabriel Torres (9) falls while chasing the ball with USA player Michael Parkhurst (15) during the 2013 Gold Cup championship game at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports /

“We are excited to be adding a top quality player like Michael to our club,” Berhaldter said of the signing. “He is an elite player that will have an immediate impact both on and off the field. Michael’s success in Major League Soccer, combined with his proven experience in Europe and with the U.S. Men’s National Team make him a valuable piece for our team.”

This will be Parkhurst’s second stint in MLS, after spending time with the Revs from 2005-2008. He also played with F.C. Nordsjælland of the Danish Superliga from 2008-2013 as well as Augsburg of the Bundesliga. Parkhurst is also a regular with the USA Men’s National Team, earning 23 caps thus far.

Name: Michael Parkhurst
Position: Defender
Height: 5’11”
Weight: 159
Born: January 24, 1984 in Providence, Rhode Island
Hometown: Providence, Rhode Island
Citizenship: United States & Ireland
Acquired: Rights were traded to the Crew from the New England Revolution on January 12, 2014 in exchange for the Crew’s First Round selection (fourth overall) in the 2014 MLS SuperDraft and allocation money. Parkhurst agreed to terms with the Crew and will be added to the club’s roster immediately pending receipt of his International Transfer Certificate (ITC)
Professional Experience: Augsburg (2013-2014), FC. Nordsjælland (2008-2013), New England Revolution (2005-2008)

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