The Columbus Crew announced today that it has acquired prolific Costa Rican striker Jairo Arrieta, who will be officially added to the Crew roster and become available for selection when the transfer window opens on June 27 and upon receipt of his International Transfer Certificate and P-1 Visa. Per club policy, terms of the contract were not disclosed.
The 28-year-old forward joins the Crew from Deportivo Saprissa of the Costa Rican First Division, where he has scored 45 goals over the last five seasons and was goal scoring runner-up in the 2011 Campeonato de Invierno.
“Jairo is a proven goal scorer who we have had our eye on for some time,” said Crew head coach Robert Warzycha. “He is quick and agile in and around the box, and we expect him to be a great addition to our attack.”
The 5-9, 150-pound native of Nicoya, Costa Rica, began his career in 2004 when Brujas F.C. contracted him for its inaugural season. While at Brujas he appeared in 56 matches and scored 11 goals over two seasons.
In 2006 Arrieta transferred to Saprissa, the most successful club in Costa Rica where he was a teammate of current Crew forward Olman Vargas. There he appeared in 161 matches, recording 45 goals and helping the team win five Costa Rican first division championships.
Arrieta also started in the Crew’s historic 1-0 win at Saprissa on Sept. 16, 2009 and appeared as a substitute in the return leg, a 1-1 draw at Crew Stadium on Sept. 29, 2009.
Arrieta has been capped three times by the Costa Rican National Team, starting friendly matches vs. Cuba on Dec. 11, 2011 and Jamaica on March, 21, 2012, as well as appearing as a substitute in a friendly vs. Venezuela on Dec. 22, 2011.
Jairo Arrieta
(HIGH-roh ah-REE-eh-tah)
Position: Forward
Height: 5-9
Weight: 150
Born: Aug. 25, 1983 (Nicoya, Costa Rica)
Hometown: Nicoya, Costa Rica
Citizenship: Costa Rica
2011 Team: Deportivo Saprissa
How Acquired: Signed on April 26. 2012
Professional Experience: Deportivo Saprissa, Costa Rica (2006-12), Brujas F.C., Costa Rica (2004-06)
TRANSACTION:
Columbus Crew (MLS) – Signed F Jairo Arrieta.
