Frankie Hejduk joins Columbus Crew

COLUMBUS, Ohio, March 7 (UPI) -- Frankie Hejduk, who started four of the United States national team's five matches during its run to the 2002 World Cup quarterfinals, was acquired Friday by the Columbus Crew of the MLS.

A speedy midfielder-defender, Hejduk made 14 appearances -- 11 starts -- for the United States in 2002, when the American team captured the CONCACAF Gold Cup and recorded its best finish in a World Cup in 52 years. The United States advanced to the last eight in Korea/Japan before falling to eventual finalist Germany.

The 28-year-old Hejduk, who made 50 regular-season and seven playoff appearances for the now-defunct Tampa Bay Mutiny of MLS from 1996-98, returned to the 10-club league in his native land after spending five seasons in Europe.

Hejduk played four years with Bayer Leverkusen of Germany's Bundesliga and one with FC St. Gallen of the Swiss League.

"I am really happy to be back home and in MLS," Hejduk said. "The team has been great so far and I am really looking forward to the season. I am finally glad that all the paperwork is complete. Now I can focus on helping the Crew win an MLS Cup."

Hejduk has been training with the Crew since Feb. 5 while awaiting the deal to be finalized.

"Frankie is a special player," Crew Coach Greg Andrulis said. "His incredible work rate and versatility make him a very valuable addition to our team. Our fans are sure to enjoy both his effort on the field and his easy-going personality."