The Columbus Crew announced today that it has signed midfielder Brian Plotkin to a developmental contract and that he will occupy the roster spot previously held by midfielder Cory Elenio, who has been placed on the six-week disabled list. Per club and league policy, no further terms of the deal were disclosed.

Plotkin joins the Crew after beginning his season with the Chicago Fire, who originally drafted him in the second round (No. 20 overall) of the 2006 MLS SuperDraft out of Indiana University. Plotkin signs with the Black & Gold after participating in a two-week trial with the club.

A 24-year-old native of Chicago, Ill., Plotkin registered one goal and one assist in 23 appearances (10 starts) with the Chicago Fire from 2006-08. In his four-year career at Indiana, Plotkin registered 21 goals and 34 assists, and along with current Crew teammates Danny O’Rourke and Jed Zayner, helped the Hoosiers to the 2003 and 2004 NCAA College Cup titles. Plotkin was named to the All-Big 10 First Team for three consecutive seasons (2003-05), and as a junior, he was one of three finalists for the prestigious M.A.C. Hermann Trophy Award and was also selected as a member of the NSCAA All-American First Team. During his collegiate career he was also named to the Second Team All-Midwest Region (2004), the First Team All-Great Lakes Region (2003) and named Big Ten Freshman of the Year (2002).

Elenio, 22, is currently recovering from a left quadriceps injury and has been placed on the six-week disabled list. Selected by the Crew in the second round (No. 20) overall of the 2008 MLS SuperDraft, he has made one first team appearance for the Black & Gold in 2008 – coming on as a substitute at Kansas City on June 14 – and has also tallied one goal and one assist in six appearances (four starts) for the Crew Reserve Squad.

Founded by American sports pioneer Lamar Hunt, the Columbus Crew is Ohio's Major League Soccer club, anchoring a diverse sports and entertainment enterprise. One of the league's Charter Members and U.S. Open Cup champion in 2002, it is currently in its 13th season overall and 10th in first-of-its-kind Columbus Crew Stadium.

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