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At the conclusion of the 2017 season, Crew SC winger Kekuta Manneh had a critical decision to make. He could remain in the United States, attempt to negotiate an extension with Columbus Crew SC, or he could take his talents elsewhere.
After his one season in Columbus, the 22-year-old quickly began a trial with FC Union Berlin in Bundesliga 2. Following his time in Germany, Manneh left with no offer and went to Mexico where powerhouse Pachucha began courting the winger.
On Tuesday evening, the club confirmed Manneh was joining their squad.
¡Welcome @kekuta16!
— Club Pachuca (@Tuzos) December 26, 2017
El delantero Kekuta Manneh es nuestro refuerzo de cara al Clausura 2018 proveniente de la MLS.#TeJuroQueTeAmo pic.twitter.com/ObVwGvo96K
Manneh joins a Liga MX side with rich history. The Tuzos won the league title in 2016 and finished third in the 2017 FIFA Club World Cup. The 22 year old won’t be the only American playing for Pachucha, as longtime U.S. Men’s National Team defender Omar Gonzalez has featured prominently in the squad.
The winger penned a goodbye to fans on social media where he thanked fans in both Vancouver and Columbus for supporting him every step of the way.
I just wanna thank everyone at MLS, Vancouver and Columbus for my time in the League and everyone who directly or indirectly helped me along the way! Everything has to an end and this is that moment for me! #ThankYou #MLS#Whitecaps#Crew
— Kekuta Manneh (@kekuta16) December 26, 2017
The Black & Gold acquired Manneh’s services in a March 30th trade with the Vancouver Whitecaps that sent veteran midfielder Tony Tchani and allocation money to bring the talented winger to Columbus.
In his one season with Crew SC, Manneh made 19 appearances (nine starts) and registered four goals and three assists, helping the Black & Gold to the Eastern Conference Finals where they fell to eventual champions Toronto FC 1-0 on aggregate.