COLUMBUS – The Columbus Crew today announced that via Major League Soccer’s weighted lottery, the club has signed dual-national midfielder Romain Gall. Per club and MLS policy, additional details of the deal were not disclosed. Gall, a citizen of both the United States and France, has agreed to terms with the Crew and will be added to the club’s roster immediately pending receipt of his International Transfer Certificate (ITC).
"We feel that Romain is a young player with ability," said Crew Sporting Director and Head Coach Gregg Berhalter. "He’s 19 years old, has great attacking ability and is a dynamic part of U.S. Soccer’s Youth National Team program. We feel that he’s a strong addition to our team, and we’re looking forward to bringing him in. We aim to be a club recognized for developing talented young players into successful professionals for their club and country.”
The 19-year-old midfielder returns to the United States after signing with France’s FC Lorient in 2011 and spending time with the club’s reserves, Lorient II. After making his debut in 2013, he made six substitute appearances in 2014 and scored his first professional goal on March 1 in a 4-0 win over La Vitréenne.
Just months after Crew midfielder Wil Trapp captained the United States Under-20 squad in last year’s 2013 FIFA U-20 World Cup, Gall made his first appearance with the U-20 side for coach Tab Ramos last November. He made his debut at 18 during a camp in which the U.S. beat Atalanta Primavera, 4-1, as Gall recorded a goal and an assist to lead the Americans to victory.
Most recently, Gall was named to a 20-player roster for the 2014 NTC Invitational Tournament in Carson, California from July 14-18. Prior to his time with the U-20s, he made several appearances with the U-18 squad.
TRANSACTION: Columbus Crew signs midfielder Romain Gall via Major League Soccer’s weighted lottery. Gall will be added to the club’s roster immediately pending receipt of his International Transfer Certificate (ITC).
<img alt="" src="https://columbus-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/Gall3.jpg" style="width: 139px; height: 179px; float: left; margin: 5px;"> |
<strong>Name:</strong> Romain Gall<br><strong>Pronunciation: </strong>Ro-men GALL (like BALL)<br><strong>Position:</strong> Midfielder<br><strong>Height:</strong> 5’9”<br><strong>Weight:</strong> 140<br><strong>Born:</strong> January 31, 1995 in Paris, France<br><strong>Hometown:</strong> Herndon, Virginia<br><strong>Citizenship:</strong> United States / France<br><strong>Acquired:</strong> Signed on August 7, 2014 via Major League Soccer’s weighted lottery<br><strong>Previous Experience:</strong> FC Lorient – Lorient II (2011-2014) |
