The Crew SC added to its forward depth Saturday trading for Adam Jahn of the San Jose Earthquakes in exchange for targeted allocation money.
The 27-year-old Jahn provides help off the bench for striker Ola Kamara and offers a big body to protect late-game leads. He joined the club for Saturday's training in Obetz, and figures to dress for Sunday's game in Toronto FC.
Coach and sporting director Gregg Berhalter didn't rule out another move before Wednesday's MLS transfer/trade deadline. He said what the Crew surrendered in the San Jose deal "was minimal." Jahn's salary is listed at $67,500 this season.
Acquiring a forward of Jahn's size (6-3, 201) and skillset is not surprising. Conor Casey (knee) remains out with an injury, leaving all the work up top to Kamara, who's scored 10 goals in 14 games and rarely come off the field in recent weeks.
"We are solely relying on Ola for a shift every week no matter what," Berhalter said. "He can't sustain that."
The club never adequately replaced reserve forward Aaron Schoenfeld, who opted to sign in Israel in the offseason. Berhalter has lamented Schoenfeld's loss in recent weeks as the Crew's winless skid reached eight games. Columbus has blown second-half leads in each of its last three matches.
Beyond the occasional spot start, Jahn figures to become a late-game sub who can hold up the ball and help kill clock.
"This year in San Jose that's been my main role," Jahn said. "(Helping) hold leads and being tough defensively. I'm used to it . . . and I hope I can go in and help tomorrow."
Jahn has one goal in 10 games this season with the Earthquakes, while also splitting time with Sacramento Republic FC of the USL. He’s recorded six goals and an assist in 62 MLS games (22 starts), all with the Earthquakes.
The forward marks the third signing for the Crew since the transfer window opened on July 4. Columbus also acquired centerback Nicolai Naess from a first-division side in Norway and goalkeeper Zach Steffen from a second-division German side. The MLS transfer-trade window closes Wednesday night at 11:59.
It was an open secret the Crew (3-7-10) wanted to add an attacking player and perhaps someone who could give Kamara (10 goals in 14 games) a blow.
“We are pleased to welcome Adam to Columbus Crew SC as he provides valuable striker depth for our club in the second half of the season,” Berhalter said in a statement. “Adam has a strong physical presence, excellent work rate and is a threat inside the penalty box. We look forward to his arrival to Columbus and integrating him into the team.”
The Earthquakes drafted Jahn in the first round of the 2013 MLS supplemental draft.
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