Crew signs ex-Buckeye star Eric Brunner
Posted by: Crew Communications // Category: Player News
The Crew announced today that it has signed Dublin native and former Ohio State All-American Eric Brunner after acquiring his rights from the New York Red Bulls in exchange for a conditional selection in the 2011 MLS SuperDraft.
The 23-year-old Brunner, a 6-4, 170-pound defender, joins the Crew after most recently playing for Miami FC of the United Soccer Leagues First Division, where he played in 11 games during the USL1 regular season and playoffs. He also made four appearances in the 2008 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup. Originally selected by New York in the second round (No. 16 overall) of the 2008 MLS SuperDraft, Brunner began the 2008 MLS season with the Red Bulls before departing in May to join Miami. He has yet to make his MLS debut.
A 2004 graduate of Dublin Scioto High School, Brunner went on to earn a number of accolades during a three-year career at Ohio State, where he was coached by John Bluem, who also serves as a color commentator on Crew home radio broadcasts. Brunner finished his time at Ohio State having played in 89 games, 79 of them starting assignments, while totaling 10 goals and four assists. In addition to serving as the Buckeyes’ captain during his senior year, when he helped lead Ohio State to an appearance in the 2007 NCAA College Cup Final, he was named to the NSCAA All-America First Team, NSCAA All-Region First Team, All-Big 10 First Team and the College Cup All-Tournament team. He transferred to Ohio State after spending his freshman season at Maryland, where he appeared in 21 games, with 11 starts, and tallied one assist.
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