Upon hearing he was headed to Columbus Crew SC from the Colorado Rapids as part of a 2015 MLS SuperDraft trade, Chris Klute prepared himself for a new beginning with the Black & Gold. Over two weeks into preseason training, Klute is already seeing why Crew SC's locker room was so strong last season.
"When I heard I was coming here, I was excited," Klute said Monday. "That was the first thing on my mind. It’s a fresh start, a new team. It’s just fresh — new everything. I was really excited to be here. Then when I got to meet the guys, going through training and stuff, I’m just ready to start the season."
He continued: "I’ve been here for three or four days total, and I’m really enjoying everything. The team is cool… They’re real close. Everyone is friendly. They have team unity. Me coming from another team, you feel more welcomed when you come into an environment like that. It’s been really good."
Having made 57 appearances over the last three seasons in Colorado, Klute brings experience to the Crew SC backline. His attacking ability out of the back and eight assists over that span will be an asset in Gregg Berhalter's possession-based system.
Stil learning Berhalter's tactics, Klute feels the Crew SC boss' approach fits his game perfectly.
"The way [Berhalter] plays, his style, is similar to the way I play in terms of outside backs going forward," Klute said. "For me, that’s my strength: going forward, overlapping and stuff.
"So far, I’m enjoying it."
Crew SC is currently training at SuperKick in Lewis Center ahead of this weekend's trip to Austin, Tex. for the ATX Pro Classic. The Black & Gold will be joined by the Austin Aztex, FC Dallas and D.C. United at the tournament.
