[Napolean]

Per Shawn Mitchell:

http://blog.dispatch.com/crew/2009/0...the_fold.shtml

Hell yes.

[CrewNoob]

Maybe a dumb question, but he isn't cup tied or anything is he? I mean that would royally suck if we couldn't use him for CCL matches.

Other than that, GAME ON.

[YiddoInAkron]

If he played on a club team in Venezuela, he would have played in Copa Libertadores/Sudamerica since they are in CONMEBOL. No worries for here.

[CrewNoob]

Thanks, told ya it was a dumb question.

[JB the First]

Squad gets more massive. Excellent.

Can't wait to see him play so we can REALLY know what we got.

[CrewBeat]

Originally Posted by JB the First

Squad gets more massive. Excellent.

Can't wait to see him play so we can REALLY know what we got.

I imagine he'll see a lot of time in the NJRB game, it's as close as we'll get to a reserve match this season.

[THOMA GOL]

Will there be a press unveiling of jersey and name with the player, along with the 'Columbus Til I Die' shirtless fanboys?

[kgilbert78]

Originally Posted by CrewBeat

I imagine he'll see a lot of time in the NJRB game, it's as close as we'll get to a reserve match this season.

That depends on INS--he has to get a work permit. That's usually a formality but does take about a week or so. He also has to get his papers transferred from the Venezuelan federation to USSF. That, according to BB, should be quicker than the work permit.

[CrewBeat]

http://blackandgoldstandard.com/?p=2086
http://columbus.crew.mlsnet.com/news....jsp&team=t102

The Columbus Crew announced today that it has signed Venezuelan forward Emilio Renteria, who will be added to the club’s roster upon approval of his P-1 visa work permit. “Emilio has been on our radar for some time now and we’re pleased to get him signed,” said Crew technical director Brian Bliss. “He possesses good speed, quickness and long-range shooting ability and we’re excited to incorporate him into the team.”

Renteria, 24, began his professional career in Spain, where he competed in the Spanish second division with Levante UD from 2001-04. He then returned to his homeland to compete in the Venezuelan first division, first with Deportivo Italia, where scored 12 goals during the 2004-05 season. Renteria then joined UA Maracaibo, where he totaled 14 goals in two seasons (2005-07), while also helping lead his side to two appearances in the Copa Libertadores, the most prestigious club competition in South America.

Most recently, Renteria played for Caracas FC of the Venezuelan top flight from 2007-09. He tallied 16 goals in that span, while once again helping his club to two appearances in Copa Libertadores, including a run to the quarterfinals in 2009, the club’s best-ever finish in that competition.
Renteria has also represented the Venezuelan National Team at the Under-17, U-20, U-23 and Senior levels, totaling 19 total goals at the youth levels and three goals with the senior team in friendly matches.

No. 20 – Emilio Renteria
Position: Forward
Height: 5-9
Weight: 178
Born: October 2, 1984 (Caracas, Venezuela)
Hometown: Caracas, Venezuela
Citizenship: Venezuela
Last Team: Caracas FC (Venezuelan first division)
How Acquired: Signed by the Crew via discovery on Aug. 17, 2009.
Professional Experience: Levante UD, Spain (2001-04); Deportivo Italia, Venezuela (2004-05); UA Maracaibo, Venezuela (2005-07); Caracas FC, Venezuela (2007-09)

On personal note, find it funny the guy is a day older than me. Maybe we should invite him to the party at Claddagh after the Seattle game.

[Nonesuch]

Massive!

Looks like he has the constitution to take the physical play of MLS in his stride.

Hope he really does like to shoot at any opportunity, but reckon he'll be able to create some havoc in the box anyway.

Welcome, best wishes, and good luck to him.