Columbus, OH – The Columbus Crew signed Costa Rican striker Jairo Arrieta on Thursday, but he not be available until the transfer window opens June 27.
The 28-year-old Arrieta, who earned his first cap for Costa Rica last year, also needs to obtain his International Transfer Certificate and P-1 Visa. Per club policy, terms of the contract were not disclosed.
"Jairo is a proven goal scorer who we have had our eye on for some time," Crew coach Robert Warzycha said. "He is quick and agile in and around the box, and we expect him to be a great addition to our attack."
Arrieta scored 45 goals over the last five seasons for Deportivo Saprissa of the Costa Rican First Division, helping the club win five consecutive league titles. He started his career with Brujas F.C. in his native Costa Rica, and had 11 goals in 56 matches over two seasons.
Columbus faced Arrieta and Deportivo Saprissa twice in the CONCACAF Champions League, including a 1-0 win in Costa Rica in 2009. Overall, Arrieta has played three times for Costa Rica's national team.
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