Crew acquire left back Malte Amundsen to add defensive depth

New York City FC defender Malte Amundsen during an MLS soccer match against the Los Angeles Galaxy, Sunday, Feb. 27, 2022, in Carson, Calif. (AP Photo/Kyusung …

New York City FC defender Malte Amundsen during an MLS soccer match against the Los Angeles Galaxy, Sunday, Feb. 27, 2022, in Carson, Calif. (AP Photo/Kyusung Gong)

by: Adam Conn

Posted: Apr 25, 2023 / 06:09 AM EDT

Updated: Apr 25, 2023 / 09:54 AM EDT

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) – The Columbus Crew have acquired left back Malte Amundsen from New York City FC in exchange for allocation money.

The Crew, in need of defensive help after an injury to Will Sands in Saturday’s loss to Charlotte, add Amundsen, 25, who was part of NYCFC’s MLS Cup-winning team in 2021. In exchange NYCFC receives $400,000 in General Allocation Money ($200,000 each in 2023 and 2024), plus another conditional $100,000 based on performance conditions.

The club confirmed Tuesday morning Sands will have season-ending ACL surgery on his left knee.

Amundsen has yet to play a match this season for NYCFC, but started 23 of 27 games played in 2022, registered two assists along with 14 shots on goal, and helped the team allow the fourth fewest goals and second fewest shots on goal last season. The Danish native will be on Columbus’ roster through the 2024 season, with a club option for 2025.

The Columbus Crew currently sit in fifth place in the Eastern Conference standings after nine games played this season. The Black & Gold’s next MLS match will be Saturday night at home against Inter Miami.