Columbus Crew sign 19th overall draft pick Rodrigo Saravia to senior team

The Columbus Crew have signed 19th overall 2016 MLS SuperDraft pick Rodrigo Saravia to a senior-team contract using an international roster spot, the club announced Thursday.

"Rodrigo has shown well during our first preseason camp in Lakewood Ranch and we are eager to monitor his development," head coach Gregg Berhalter said in a statement. "We selected him based on both his play and his character and he has certainly showed promise thus far. He will provide important midfield depth to our squad and we are confident that he will continue to develop as he transitions from college to the professional game."

Saravia, a midfielder from Guatemala, was drafted out of Florida Gulf Coast University and has experience with the Guatemalan under-23 and under-21 teams. He recorded two goals and seven assists in his 67 appearances with Florida Gulf Coast, too.