COLUMBUS — The Columbus Crew has agreed to terms with defender Tyson Wahl, the club announced on Thursday. Per Major League Soccer and club policy, details of the contract were not disclosed.
A versatile player with seven seasons of MLS experience, Wahl is best known for his ability to play multiple positions across the backline and his left-footed capabilities. He joins the Crew from Colorado, where the Newport Beach, Calif. native started four matches for the Rapids and supplied one assist in 2012. Wahl appeared in 11 matches for the Montreal Impact last season before being traded to Colorado in July. The defender played the three previous seasons for Seattle Sounders FC. Wahl made 39 appearances for Seattle from 2009-11, scoring one goal and tallying three assists in MLS play while helping the club to three consecutive Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup titles. Wahl began his career with the Kansas City Wizards, selected 19th overall in the 2006 MLS SuperDraft. He made 32 appearances in three seasons with the Wizards.
“Tyson’s signing gives us depth and experience at multiple defensive positions,” said Crew Technical Director Brian Bliss. “As a naturally left-footed player, he can play leftback and centerback, which are two areas where we’re in need of versatility. Tyson has a history in the League. I have a history with him from Kansas City, so we know what he can do. He’ll be a valuable asset to our team.”
An All-American at the University of California, Wahl started every game for the Golden Bears during his four-year college career. The defender scored five goals and contributed one assist in his senior season to lead Cal to the quarterfinals of the 2005 NCAA Tournament. Before college, Wahl spent time in the U.S. U-17 and U-20 residency programs and played in the 2001 FIFA U-17 World Championship.
Wahl is set to join the Crew on January 17 when the team reports to Columbus for preseason training.
Name: Tyson Wahl
Position: Defender
Height: 6’2”
Weight: 185
Born: February 23, 1984
Hometown: Newport Beach, Calif.
Citizenship: United States
Acquired: Signed on January 3, 2013
Professional Experience: Colorado Rapids (2012), Montreal Impact (2012), Seattle Sounders FC (2009-11), Kansas City Wizards (2006-08)
