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Columbus Crew: Justin Meram Agrees To Contract Extension

By Tyler Fisher

Jul 9, 2016; Foxborough, MA, USA; Columbus Crew forward Justin Meram (9) reacts against the New England Revolution during the first half at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 9, 2016; Foxborough, MA, USA; Columbus Crew forward Justin Meram (9) reacts against the New England Revolution during the first half at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports /
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Columbus Crew SC and midfielder Justin Meram have agreed to a multi-year contract extension for the Iraqi international.

The 28-year old is now the longest tenured player on the club’s current roster. Meram has played every minute of his pro career for the Columbus Crew. Making 155 appearances (103 of them being starts), putting him in eighth place in all time appearances for the Black and Gold.

Meram provided the assist for Crew SC’s opening goal in their 1-1 draw against rivals Chicago Fire. Targeted Allocation Money has been used for this transaction.

Head coach Gregg Berhalter On Justin Meram

Head coach and Sporting Director  Gregg Berhalter spoke to about the deal  today:

"“Justin is a player that has become synonymous with Crew SC. He has developed into one of the better playmakers in MLS over the last few years and one of the leaders. at the club.”"

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About Justin Meram

Crew SC selected Meram with the fifth overall pick in the 2011 MLS SuperDraft. The midfielder had a breakout campaign in 2014, registering nine goals and seven assists in 32 appearances (19 starts). In the same year Meram earned his first cap with the Iraq National team, making his debut in the 2014 Gulf Cup of Nations tournament against Kuwait.

"“This contract extension means a lot to me. Having this club believe in me for multiple years is something that throughout my career I’ve worked hard to achieve.”"

During the 2015 campaign, Meram scored six goals and tallied five assists en route to Crew SC making the MLS Cup. On November 22 2015, Meram scored the fastest goal (nine seconds) in MLS postseason history. 

Last season, Meram made 33 appearances (31 starts) while tallying five goals and servicing 13 assists. This marked a career best, and including two match-winning assists, even in a down year for the club. Meram made his 150th career MLS regular season appearance when he started against D.C. United last year.

Next: Columbus Crew SC vs. Houston Dynamo: Preview & How To Watch

He was awarded the MVP for Crew SC in 2016, alongside being named the Etihad Airwaves MLS Player of the Month in October, and named to the MLS Team Of the Week in week seven.

Justin Meram and Crew SC are back in action this Saturday as they are taking on the Houston Dynamo at 8:30 PM EST in Houston, Texas.

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