The Columbus Crew announced today that it has loaned forward Aaron Horton to the Dayton Dutch Lions of the USL Pro League until June 3. Per club policy, no further terms of the agreement were disclosed.
Horton, 19, has appeared in three MLS Reserve League matches so far this season and he will return to the Crew prior to its next Reserve League match on June 10 vs. New England.
“Aaron is still a young and relatively inexperienced player, and the gap in our Reserve League schedule provides an excellent opportunity for him to play in competitive matches with the Dutch Lions,” said Crew technical director Brian Bliss. “We have the ability to recall him at any time should the need arise, but assuming we don’t have to, the experience he will gain can only help further his development.”
Signed on May 17, 2011, as the club’s first Homegrown player, Horton appeared in one league match as a rookie, coming on in the 89th minute for childhood hero Jeff Cunningham vs. Real Salt Lake on June 8. He also appeared in six matches Reserve League matches (starting two), playing a total of 267 minutes in the Crew’s run to the East Division title.
A native of Lewis Center, Ohio, and product of Olentangy Orange High School and the Crew Soccer Academy, Horton spent one season at the University of Louisville, in which the Cardinals advanced to the NCAA Men’s College Cup for the first time in school history and finished as the national runner-up in 2010. He spent the 2009-10 season with CSA and was a member of the Crew’s 2010 USL Super 20s National Championship team, when he was also named tournament MVP.
TRANSACTION:
Columbus Crew (MLS) – Loaned F Aaron Horton to the Dayton Dutch Lions (USL Pro) until June 3, 2012.
