By MATT STYPULKOSKI

The Columbus Crew took the step to add another attacking option Friday with a player that will serve as a summer reinforcement.

The Crew announced Friday that the club has acquired midfielder Cedrick Mabwati, commonly known as Cedrick, from La Liga’s Real Betis. Cedrick will spend the remainder of the season with Spanish Segunda Division side Osasuna, where he has been on loan since late 2014, before joining Columbus in the summer.

Currently, the 22-year-old is on international duty with the Democratic Republic of Congo in the African Cup of Nations. He has appeared in all three of the Leopards’ matches, starting two and registering one assist.

“Cedrick is a young, versatile player with international experience who can make an impact at any of our four attacking positions,” said Sporting Director and Head Coach Gregg Berhalter. “He is another player with considerable potential identified by our international scouting network and we look forward to him joining our team this summer.”

Prior to joining Real Betis, Cedrick spent four seasons in the Segunda Division, where he recorded 13 goals and 12 assists.

Here are some more of Friday’s MLS news and notes:

RED BULLS’ ARMANDO NOT IN TRAINING CAMP

Despite being listed on the team’s preseason roster, New York defender Armando is not in Orlando for training camp.

“Armando Lozano did not travel with the New York Red Bulls to training camp in Orlando,” reads a Red Bull statement.  “He is currently under contract with MLS and on New York’s roster. The Red Bulls, the player, and his agent are in talks to decide what is best for all parties involved.​​”

According to Empire of Soccer, Armando did not receive an invitation to the camp. His absence comes shortly after the Red Bulls announced a spate of defensive signings, including Andrew Jean-Baptiste, Damien Perrinelle and Ronald Zubar.

WHITECAPS NAMES KOCH USL PRO COACH

The Vancouver Whitecaps have added a USL PRO team to the fold. Now they’ve also added a coach.

Alan Koch, who also serves as the club’s college scout, has been named the head coach of Whitecaps FC 2. The 39-year-old has also spent the last seven years as the head coach of Simon Fraser University in British Columbia.

“This is an amazing opportunity and one that I’m very excited about,” Koch said. “I’m grateful to the club for bringing me in, and I’m looking forward to working with (Carl Robinson) and his technical staff. We share a similar philosophy and vision. I’m ready to hit the ground running.”

During his time at SFU, his alma mater, Koch amassed a 126-21-7 record and became the quickest coach to 100 wins in school history. He was also named Conference Coach of the Year six times.

Vancouver also announced that he’ll be assisted by longtime Whitecaps Residency assistant Steve Meadley and Residency goalkeeper coach Raegyn Hall.

SPORTING KC ADDS GRUENEBAUM TO BROADCAST BOOTH

Andy Gruenebaum will no longer man the net in MLS. Instead, he’ll be manning the microphone.

After nine seasons in MLS, including last season in Kansas City, Gruenebaum has opted to retire from playing and join the Sporting KC broadcast team instead. He’ll be responsible for color commentary, working alongside TV play-by-play man Nate Bukaty.

The duo replaces Callum Williams and Diego Gutierrez, who were told in December that they would not return.

The 32-year-old goalkeeper made 14 starts and racked up an 8-4-2 record for Sporting KC last season prior to getting injured.

—

What do you think of Columbus’ latest signing? What do you make of the Red Bulls’ center back situation? What do you expect from Gruenebaum behind the mic?

Share your thoughts below.