The Columbus Crew today selected defender Carlos Mendes in the Stage 1 Draft of Major League Soccer’s 2011 Re-Entry Process. Mendes’ option had been declined by New York, so he joins the Crew’s roster under the terms of that option.
Two other players were selected in the draft, with the New England Revolution taking midfielder Danleigh Borman and Chivas USA claiming midfielder Arturo Alvarez. Borman and Alvarez are out of contract, so MLS will extend a Bona Fide Offer to each to play for the selecting club.
The 30-year-old Mendes was the longest-tenured Red Bull, having joined the club in 2005. He appeared in 146 regular-season games in New York (128 of them starts), along with 11 playoff matches, totaling more than 12,000 minutes.
“Carlos is a proven player with a lot of game experience in our league,” said Crew head coach Robert Warzycha. “He also brings leadership qualities and is highly regarded by his peers. We are very happy to be able to add him to our team.”
After beginning his professional career with the Long Island Rough Riders of the USL D3 Pro League in 2002, Mendez spent two years with the Rochester Rhinos of USL1 (2003-04) before signing with New York. He recorded 11 goals and 25 assists during a four-year collegiate career at Old Dominion, where he was a three-time All-Colonial Athletic Association First Team selection.
Carlos Mendes
Position: Defender
Height: 5-11
Weight: 175
Born: Dec. 25, 1980 (Mineola, N.Y.)
Hometown: Mineola, N.Y.
Citizenship: USA
2011 Team: New York Red Bulls
How Acquired: Selected in Stage 1 Draft of MLS Re-Entry Process on Dec. 5. 2011.
Professional Experience: New York, MLS (2005-11); Rochester Rhinos, USL1 (2003-04); Long Island Rough Riders, USL D3 Pro (2002)
TRANSACTION:
Columbus Crew (MLS) – Selected D Carlos Mendes in Stage 1 Draft of 2011 MLS Re-Entry Process.
