FORMER DCFC STRIKER SIGNS WITH THE COLUMBUS CREW

The Columbus Crew today announced that it has signed former Detroit City FC forward Adam Bedell after selecting him in January with the seventh pick in the third round (45th overall) of the 2014 MLS SuperDraft. Per club and MLS policy, additional terms of the signing were not disclosed.

“Adam is a strong, tall target forward that gives additional depth this season,” said Sporting Director and Head Coach Gregg Berhalter. “We drafted him because we felt he would make a strong addition to the team and we were pleased with his effort throughout this preseason that secured his spot on our roster.”

During the 2014 preseason, Bedell competed for a roster spot and logged 75 minutes of action in three appearances. He scored the Crew’s third goal in the 3-1 victory over Toronto FC on February 19.

At 6-foot-7, Bedell scored 23 goals and recorded 22 assists in his four-year college career at University of Detroit Mercy. In his freshmen season, he played in all 19 matches – including 17 starts – and led the team in assists with eight, tying a school single-season assist record at 10th all-time. In his sophomore season in 2011, he added three goals and four assists before a breakout season as a junior. In 2012, Bedell was named Horizon League Player of the Year, Horizon League Offensive Player of the Year and First Team All-League with his League-leading 11 goals. His five assists that season were also tied for the League-lead. In his senior season, he was selected to his second consecutive Horizon League First Team and First Team All-Horizon League. Bedell added eight goals and five assists in his final year on the Titans squad.

Bedell was a participant in the Crew’s College Combine, hosted by the Crew’s First Team technical staff on December 14, 2013. The Livonia, Michigan native also played for the Crew Soccer Academy Wolves program in Michigan.

The Crew begins the 2014 season this Saturday, March 8 at D.C. United.