Columbus Crew SC today announced that it has re-signed midfielder Hector Jimenez and goalkeeper Brad Stuver. Both Jimenez and Stuver are set to return to Crew SC for their fourth seasons after the pair of players joined the Black & Gold ahead of the 2014 campaign. Jimenez made 25 appearances overall and recorded one assist for Crew SC in 2016. Stuver, who made his MLS debut in the 2016 season, started the final two matches of the regular season for Crew SC and recorded eight total saves.
Jimenez’s 25 regular-season appearances in 2016 came at five different positions: 10 at leftback, seven at rightback, five at left midfield, two at central attacking midfield and one at right midfield. Stuver, an Ohio-native, served as the primary backup goalkeeper in 2016 and along with his two MLS starts and appearances, he has also made four Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup appearances for Crew SC in his tenure, recording one clean sheet.
“We are pleased to re-sign both Hector and Brad ahead of the 2017 campaign,” said Sporting Director and Head Coach Gregg Berhalter. “Hector’s versatility has allowed him to provide valuable contributions at a number of positions on the field while Brad has continued to put himself in prime position to step-up when his number has been called. Both players have been a strong fit for this club on and off the field, serving as great teammates and making an impact in both the locker room and in the community. We look forward to working with them leading into next year.”
Jimenez registered his 100th Major League Soccer regular-season appearance on July 3, 2016. Since hitting this milestone, the California-native has made 15 more appearances, totaling 115 MLS regular-season appearances and 73 starts. He has scored five goals and has notched 16 assists in his MLS career with one goal and 10 assists in his time with Crew SC. Previously this year, Jimenez was honored with the Kirk Urso Heart Award, becoming the fourth player to receive this award after Kirk Urso was posthumously honored in the inaugural year of the special recognition in 2012. Voted by his teammates, Jimenez was chosen as the player that best exemplified the qualities in a teammate and became “the heart” in the Black & Gold’s locker room.
WATCH: Hector Jimenez on re-signing with Crew SC
The former California Golden Bear entered the League in 2011, selected 34th overall in the 2011 MLS SuperDraft by the LA Galaxy. Prior to being drafted, he played four seasons at the University of California where he earned First Team All-Pac 10 three times and his 28 career assists finished second on Cal’s all-time assist list in program history.
Earlier this year, Stuver’s first career MLS save came after denying a penalty kick goal from Sacha Kljestan on October 16th at Red Bull Arena and ended the match with six total saves.
WATCH: Brad Stuver on re-signing with Crew SC
The Cleveland State University alum played four seasons at CSU and compiled a 33-27-7 record. He was awarded the Horizon League Goalkeeper of the Year his sophomore year. His senior season he posted a 11-6-3 record with a 0.86 goals against average. Stuver was drafted by the Montreal Impact as the 32nd overall pick in the 2013 MLS SuperDraft. He spent 2013 as an MLS pool goalkeeper and made appearances in gameday rosters for Columbus, New England, Real Salt Lake and Chivas USA.
TRANSACTION
Columbus Crew SC re-signs midfielder Hector Jimenez and goalkeeper Brad Stuver on November 16, 2016.
