Five things to know about Conor Casey

Columbus Crew SC added forward Conor Casey to the fold today after he was announced as a free agent signing for Sporting Director and Head Coach Gregg Berhalter's squad. A nine-year Major League Soccer veteran, Casey brings a plethora of soccer experience to the Black & Gold. Here are five things that you need to know about the newest member of Columbus Crew SC:

1. He brings impressive goal-scoring pedigree

Only 21 other players in the history of Major League Soccer have notched more goals than Casey, whose 71 career MLS tallies are ranked sixth among all active players.

2. He makes for a formiddable duo with Kei Kamara

You probably noticed Casey's new teammate in the above table -- by joining Crew SC, Casey ensures that the Black & Gold are the only team in MLS to currently have two all-time 70-goal scorers on its roster.

3. He's an MLS Cup MVP

Casey led his hometown Colorado Rapids to the 2010 MLS Cup, winning the title against FC Dallas at BMO Field in Toronto. He scored the game-tying goal in the 57th minute was was named MLS Cup MVP following the contest.

4. He began his professional soccer career in Germany

Following two seasons at the University of Portland, Casey signed with Borussia Dortmund in Germany. He also played stints with Hannover 96, Karlsruher SC and 1. FSV Mainz 05. He made 44 total appearances in the first-division Bundesliga along with 49 in the 2. Bundesliga.

5. He's earned 19 caps for the United States in addition to being an Olympian

Casey becomes yet another player with international pedigree on Berhalter's side, as the forward made 19 appearances for the United States in his career, including a two-goal performance on October 10, 2009 against Honduras in a qualification match ahead of the 2010 FIFA World Cup. At the youth level, he played in the 2000 Summer Olympics in Sydney, where he was teammates with many other players associated with Crew SC, including Frankie Hejduk, Josh Wolff, Brian Dunseth and Brad Friedel.