COLUMBUS, Ohio – The Dilly Duka saga has come to an end in Crewville. Columbus Crew SC waived the New Jersey midfielder Monday. This was Duka’s second stint with the Black and Gold. His first, during 2010-12. Duka made 15 appearances (five starts) and only notching one goal during the 2015-16 season with Columbus. His time in MLS has been spread out among three teams in Chicago, Montreal, and Columbus. Among those times, he has appeared 138 times (95 starts) and racking up 12 goals and 14 assists.
Dilly Duka Saga Ends; Midfielder Waived from Crew SC
Last month, a report came out that Duka was unpleased with his role at Columbus. Duka’s only minutes came during a 1-0 loss to FC Cincinnati during the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup when he replaced Hector Jimenez at right back.
To voice his expressions, Duka tweeted out a picture of team stats (that was later deleted) showing himself among the top.
Head Coach and Sporting Director Gregg Berhalter spoke on the matter saying: “It’s been dealt with. We’ve talked to Dilly about it. What I’d say is there’s a huge trust built inside the locker room and you don’t want to violate that trust. That’s all I’ll say on that matter.”
Duka then posted a tweet in response to Berhalter’s comment saying “Trust goes both ways.” That tweet has then since been deleted as well.
Berhalter Speaks on Waiving Dilly Duka
Berhalter gave his thoughts to the media after practice about the club waiving the 27-year old. “Dilly and I have had a number of conversations throughout the year about his position on the team and his desire to earn additional match minutes. After exhausting our options in the trade market, we decided that waiving him was in the best interest of the player and the club. We appreciate Dilly’s contributions since joining the club and wish him success in the next step of his career.”
The official club statement can be found here.
Columbus Crew SC is back in action July 17 in an International Friendly when they host German Bundesliga side Eintracht Frankfurt at MAPFRE Stadium. Kickoff is at 7:30.
