Columbus Crew SC Signs Two Rookies to Deals

Just two days before the start of the regular season, the Columbus Crew SC roster continues to take shape.

On Friday, the Black & Gold announced the signings of two of the team's rookies, midfielder Marshall Hollingsworth and goalkeeper Matt Pacifici.

"We are pleased to be able to offer contracts to both Marshall and Matt," sporting director and head coach Gregg Berhalter in the club's press release. "Both of them showed their potential throughout our preseason this year. We look forward to working with them, monitoring their development and helping them grow as professionals during their rookie seasons."

Hollingsworth made 92 appearances in his four-year career at Wheaton. He finished his collegiate career with 85 starts while scoring 45 goals and registering 21 assists. In his final year at Wheaton, the forward managed 22 goals, seventh-best in program history for a single season.

Pacifici played his college ball at Davidson where he lined up in between the sticks 70 times. He completed his college career with a 1.45 goal-against average and managed 11 shutouts including his debut against Clemson in August of 2012. His best season with the Wildcats came during his junior campaign where he finished with seven shutouts and a 0.65 goal-against average.

As a two-year captain, Pacifici won Davidson's Charlie Slagie Coach's Award his senior year as well as being named to the Atlantic 10 All-Academic and Senior CLASS Award First Team.

While drafted as forward, Crew SC lists Hollingsworth as a midfielder. During the preseason, he appeared in two matches, featuring at left and right wing back for the Black & Gold.

Pacifici, who is the third goalkeeper on Columbus' roster behind Steve Clark and Brad Stuver, played in one match, registering 28 minutes and allowing no goals to Real Salt Lake.

Crew SC begins the regular season on Sunday when they travel to take on the Portland Timbers in a rematch of last year's MLS Cup Final.