Crew SC has traded defender Michael Parkhurst to the expansion Atlanta United FC for general allocation money.
After coming to Columbus in 2014, Parkhurst played in 100 games (99 starts) and was coach and sporting director Gregg Berhalter’s captain for three seasons, including the team’s run to the MLS Cup in 2015.
The trade of Parkhurst, who is a seven-year veteran in Major League Soccer, indicates that Berhalter is looking to go in a new direction with a defense that allowed 58 goals in 2016.
The defense now has just one true center back in Gaston Sauro.