Crew sign D O'Rourke

Nov 27, 2008 - 1:57 AM COLUMBUS, Ohio (Ticker) -- The MLS Cup champion Columbus Crew on Wednesday signed defender Danny O'Rourke to a contract.

Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

A native of Columbus, O'Rourke recorded a career-high four assists this season to help the Crew post a 17-7-6 record and claim their second Supporters' Shield. Columbus allowed just 36 goals, which was good enough for third fewest in the league behind the Houston Dynamo (32) and the Chicago Fire (33).

"Obviously, I'm extremely happy to be able to continue my MLS career playing for the city where I was born and raised," the 25-year-old O'Rourke said. "My teammates and I had a great run in bringing the Crew their first MLS Cup this season, and I'm excited for the chance to do it all again next season and beyond."

"We are very excited to get Danny re-signed," Crew technical director Brian Bliss said. "He was a vital cog in our championship squad this season, following his extremely successful transition to central defense, and his durability is something we will certainly rely upon during a busy 2009 campaign. Furthermore, we are thrilled that one of Columbus' own will continue to wear black and gold."

Prior to his arrival in Columbus, the 25-year-old played with the San Jose Earthquakes (now Houston Dynamo) in 2005 and the New York Red Bulls in 2006. He has appeared in 97 career matches.