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Frank Cunha · 06-01-2004, 08:39 PM

Cunnignham Re-Signs With Crew 06/01/04

Columbus Crew President and General Manager Jim Smith announced today that forward Jeff Cunningham has signed a multi-year contract that will keep him in Columbus through the 2005 season and beyond. Per league policy, no terms of the contract were disclosed.

"I am very happy with the decision that I made in returning to Columbus, and I am looking forward to an exciting new year," said Cunningham. "Both coach (Greg Andrulis) and Jim Smith were very supportive of me through the entire process. I was fortunate that they gave me the opportunity to see what other options I had yet still show the commitment to me and allow me to return to The Crew."

Cunningham, The Crew's first round pick (9th overall) in 1998 College Draft, will begin his seventh season in Columbus. He was Columbus' third-leading scorer last year with five goals and seven assists for 17 points. The re-signing of Cunningham allows The Crew to keep intact its dangerous forward trio of Cunningham, Brian McBride (12g, 3a, 27 pts.) and Edson Buddle (10g, 4a, 24 pts.)

"Jeff's return represents another important piece in our puzzle," Smith said. "He is clearly one of the league's most exciting players, and we worked very hard to keep him in Black & Gold. We are a better team with Jeff Cunningham in our lineup and we look forward to his continued contributions."

The Jamaican-born forward is the club's second all-time leading scorer with 145 points on 53 goals and 39 assists. That total also ranks 17th on the all-time MLS points list. He also ranks tied for fourth all-time in league history for game-winning goals with 17 and was a member of the MLS Best 11 team in 2002. Cunningham has appeared eight times for the U.S. National Team since becoming a U.S. citizen in November of 2001.

"By re-signing Jeff it shows our organization's commitment in keeping one of the most dangerous and dynamic forwards in Major League Soccer," said Crew Head Coach Greg Andrulis. "It also shows our commitment and desire to play an exciting, attacking brand of soccer."

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06-01-2004, 08:39 PM	#20 (permalink)
Frank Cunha TS V.I.P. Member Favourite Team: SL BENFICA -BEIRA-MAR Frank Cunha is Online Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: UNION, NJ. USA Posts: 90,961 vCash: 3081 Rep: Rep Points: 5666 Country:	Cunnignham Re-Signs With Crew 06/01/04 Columbus Crew President and General Manager Jim Smith announced today that forward Jeff Cunningham has signed a multi-year contract that will keep him in Columbus through the 2005 season and beyond. Per league policy, no terms of the contract were disclosed. "I am very happy with the decision that I made in returning to Columbus, and I am looking forward to an exciting new year," said Cunningham. "Both coach (Greg Andrulis) and Jim Smith were very supportive of me through the entire process. I was fortunate that they gave me the opportunity to see what other options I had yet still show the commitment to me and allow me to return to The Crew." Cunningham, The Crew's first round pick (9th overall) in 1998 College Draft, will begin his seventh season in Columbus. He was Columbus' third-leading scorer last year with five goals and seven assists for 17 points. The re-signing of Cunningham allows The Crew to keep intact its dangerous forward trio of Cunningham, Brian McBride (12g, 3a, 27 pts.) and Edson Buddle (10g, 4a, 24 pts.) "Jeff's return represents another important piece in our puzzle," Smith said. "He is clearly one of the league's most exciting players, and we worked very hard to keep him in Black & Gold. We are a better team with Jeff Cunningham in our lineup and we look forward to his continued contributions." The Jamaican-born forward is the club's second all-time leading scorer with 145 points on 53 goals and 39 assists. That total also ranks 17th on the all-time MLS points list. He also ranks tied for fourth all-time in league history for game-winning goals with 17 and was a member of the MLS Best 11 team in 2002. Cunningham has appeared eight times for the U.S. National Team since becoming a U.S. citizen in November of 2001. "By re-signing Jeff it shows our organization's commitment in keeping one of the most dangerous and dynamic forwards in Major League Soccer," said Crew Head Coach Greg Andrulis. "It also shows our commitment and desire to play an exciting, attacking brand of soccer." Get Your Jersey On! Buy the official jersey of the Columbus Crew at the WorldSoccerShop. More News from MLS __________________