New York City FC signs defender Ben Sweat

New York City FC has signed former Columbus Crew draft pick Ben Sweat.

Red Bulls squander first-leg chance

The 25-year-old defender was a first-round pick in 2014 but played the past two seasons with the Tampa Bay Rowdies in the NASL before spending the preseason on trial with NYCFC. 

“Ben gives us more depth at the back. He can play as a left-back or as a left-sided center back,” NYCFC coach Patrick Vieira said in news release Thursday. “To have Ben in the squad also gives me a good option if we want to play three at the back as he can play on the left-hand side or as one of the three."

Sweat is a University of South Florida product.