Dominic Oduro joins Columbus Crew

The Columbus Crew have acquired Dominic Oduro as the club continues to revamp its roster hoping to return to the Major League Soccer playoffs. However, the move wasn't an easy swap. The club agreed to part with two potential United States internationals, sending the rights of Robbie Rogers and midfielder Billy Duka to the Chicago Fire.

Per MLS and club policy, financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. Oduro will be added to the Crew’s roster immediately, and as a United States Green Card holder, will not occupy an international roster slot.

The Ghanaian speedster joins the Crew after spending two seasons in Chicago, where the 27-year-old scored 18 goals and assisted on five more in 66 regular season appearances with the Fire. Oduro secured the club’s Golden Boot award in 2011 after scoring 12 times in his inaugural season in Chicago, becoming the first Fire player to tally double-digit regular season goals since 2004. Prior to his time with the Fire, Oduro spent a combined five seasons with the Houston Dynamo, New York Red Bulls and FC Dallas. Over his seven-year MLS career, the Ghanaian midfielder has tallied 33 goals and 17 assists in 183 appearances.

“This is a deal we’ve been working on for some time and we’re thrilled to have finalized an agreement to bring Dominic to Columbus,” said Crew Technical Director Brian Bliss in a written statement. “He’s a player with proven pedigree in our League, and his speed and scoring ability routinely put pressure on opposing defenses. We feel that Dominic is a strong fit for our roster and we’re excited about his contributions.”

In the exchange, the Crew parts ways with 23-year-old midfielder Duka. Duka joined the Black & Gold as the eighth overall selection in the 2010 MLS SuperDraft from Rutgers University. In his three seasons with the Crew, Duka made 45 appearances, scoring two goals and assisting on five others.

Rogers was a member of the Crew from 2007-11, helping the club to the 2008 MLS Cup and back-to-back Supporters’ Shields in 2008 and 2009. Following the 2011 MLS campaign, Rogers joined English Championship side Leeds United before going on loan to League One’s Stevenage.

Oduro will join the Crew for preseason training in Orlando ahead of the 2013 Disney Pro Soccer Classic.