Crew re-signs defensive star Marshall

COLUMBUS, Ohio, Dec. 28 (UPI) -- The Columbus Crew has signed defensive ace Chad Marshall to a multiyear contract, the Major League Soccer team announced Sunday.

Marshall, 24, started 29 games for MLS Cup champion Columbus in 2008 and was named the league's Defender of the Year.

"We have made a significant commitment to ensure that Chad remains a member of the Crew and we are very pleased to have gotten that priority accomplished," said Brian Bliss, the team's technical director. "It goes without saying that he played a vital role in our championship season and re-signing him allows us to retain our core group of key contributors."

Bliss did not disclose terms of the contract.

The 6-foot-4, 190-pound Marshall helped the Crew's defense allow the fewest goals (36) and also scored four goals in the regular season and two in the playoffs.