Adding a proven MLS starter, along with depth at the centerback and forward positions, Gregg Berhalter is pleased with the way his roster is shaping up following the opening rounds of the 2015 MLS SuperDraft presented by adidas. Crew SC added defender Chris Klute from the Colorado Rapids on Friday to complete Thursday's trade to allow the Rapids to acquire the 14th overall pick in the SuperDraft.
"We’re extremely happy with how we came out of this draft," Berhalter said Friday. "We think all three players have a lot of potential, and we’re excited to be working with them. We think they’re going to fit into the team well and give us that extra depth in some spots and some minutes in others."
With the confidence that Jamaican defender Sergio Campbell would still be available with Colorado's 19th overall pick on Thursday, it was a no-brainer for Berhalter to acquire Klute and Colorado's selection in exchange for the 14th pick and allocation money.
"I think we had to flexible. We had to be able to move quickly during the draft," Berhalter explained. "It was something where we had on Chris for awhile, and as our picks were taken, we weighed the risk of losing our third pick. It made sense to do the deal with Colorado since they wanted to move down get their first choice."
Starting 55 matches and adding eight assists in the past two seasons with the Rapids, Klute brings versatility and pace to the Crew SC backline. Berhalter believes Klute will be an asset on both sides of the defense.
"It’s no secret that our fullbacks have an extremely high workload," said Berhalter. "If you look at last year, we played a number of people at both left and rightback. We need enough bodies there in those positions. There other thing about it is that Chris is very versatile. He can play just as comfortably on the left as the right, so we know he’s an option for both sides."
For Klute, it's all about helping his side win.
"It honestly doesn’t really matter on which side," the 24-year-old said. "I want to win games and if they feel like playing me on the left side or the right, I can do that."
Eager to continue his career in Columbus, Klute had this to say for Crew SC supporters: "I play for the fans no matter where I am, and I’m happy to be in Columbus. I’m excited. I’m ready to hear cheers out in the crowd when I’m playing on the home field."
