Crew SC selects three players in Third and Fourth Rounds of 2015 MLS SuperDraft

Columbus Crew SC today selected three players in the Third and Fourth Rounds of the 2015 Major League Soccer SuperDraft, held via conference call. The Black & Gold selected Saint Louis University forward Robert Kristo (55^th overall) and Georgetown University goalkeeper Tomas Gomez (60^th overall) in the Third Round and Midwestern State University defender Kalen Ryden (69^th overall) in the Fourth Round. 

Today, Crew SC held its natural Third Round selection (55^th overall), the 60^th overall pick (acquired from Seattle Sounders FC as part of a 2013 trade) and the 69^th overall choice (acquired from Houston as part of a 2010 transaction). Last Thursday, the club selected University of Connecticut and Jamaican National Team defender Sergio Campbell in the First Round, as well as California State-Northridge forward Sagi Lev-Ari in the Second Round.

“We’re pleased with the three selections we made today and the five overall picks from this year’s SuperDraft,” said Sporting Director and Head Coach Gregg Berhalter. “The selections today give us options and potential depth at several positions. We will continue to evaluate our roster throughout the preseason as we prepare for the upcoming season.”

Kristo, 21, recorded 41 goals and 14 assists in 74 games played (54 starts) during his college career at Saint Louis University. He was named a 2014 NSCAA First Team All-American after recording 14 goals and two assists over his senior campaign. He was also a member of the All-Atlantic 10 First Team for a third consecutive year.

As a junior, Kristo was named an NSCAA Third Team All-American for the second consecutive year. He received a call-up to the U.S. Soccer Under-18 February camp in 2011. He was the first Billiken to lead the team in scoring over all four years of his collegiate career since Crew SC Circle of Honor inductee Brian McBride achieved that feat from 1990-1993.

Gomez, 21, played four seasons at Georgetown, starting 81 matches. He recorded 36 clean sheets, allowing just 59 goals over the span. He was named to the NSCAA/Continental Tire All-Great Lakes Region Second Team in 2014, adding NSCAA/Continental Tire All Northeast Region Second Team honors and the Big East Co-Goalkeeper of the Year title to his name in 2013.

In 2012, Gomez was a member of the College Cup All-Tournament Team as well as the All-Big East Second team as he helped the Hoyas advance to the College Cup National Championship against Indiana. In 2011, his freshman season, he was named to the Big East All-Rookie team.

Ryden, 23, made 28 appearances (27 starts) over two seasons at Midwestern State, helping the Mustangs keep a clean sheet in 13 of his starts. He helped Midwestern State to consecutive NCAA Division II postseason appearances, earning NSCAA All-South Central Region First Team honors in 2014.

Previously, the 6-foot-2 Ryden spent two seasons at Oral Roberts University, starting 35 matches from 2009-2010. He was named to the Summit League All-Newcomer team in 2009. In total, the defender scored four goals over his collegiate career.

Crew SC begins its preseason schedule this week in advance of the 2015 Major League Soccer season, highlighted by two stays in Florida and an Austin, Texas trip. Over the course of the preseason, the club will also participate in a pair of inaugural tournaments. Full information is available at ColumbusCrewSC.com.

The Black & Gold begin their 20th season on March 7 at Houston and return home for the Opening Match at Crew Stadium on Saturday, March 14 against Toronto FC. In celebration of the 20th campaign, the club is offering free customization to any fan that pre-orders his or her 2015 jersey. Once the jerseys have been revealed to the public, fans can select either the primary or secondary jersey along with any name and number they wish to add at no additional charge. This offer will be available at the Crew SC Shop at Crew Stadium or CrewSCShop.com. The pre-sale opportunity ends February 28.

TRANSACTIONS: Crew SC selected Saint Louis University forward Robert Kristo in the Third Round (55^th overall), Georgetown University goalkeeper Tomas Gomez in the Third Round (60^th overall) as well as Midwestern State University defender Kalen Ryden in the Fourth Round (69^th overall) of the 2015 MLS SuperDraft.