[HOMEGROWN WATCH] Chad Barson became the third player from Akron University in the last month to sign with an MLS club as a homegrown player. The Soccer America first team MVP joins fellow Zip Wil Trapp at the Columbus Crew. Meanwhile, FC Dallas signed Maryland's London Woodberry, another college senior, as its second homegrown signing of the offseason.

Barson who recently graduated with a 3.99 GPA biology, started and appeared in 93 out of 95 games during his college career, tying an Akron record in matches played.
 
“Chad is a strong addition to our team and a player that we’ve had our eye on for some time,” said Crew Technical Director Brian Bliss said in a statement.” “We’re obviously familiar with his abilities from our youth system, and he enjoyed a successful career at the University of Akron. Chad will make a fine pro and we look forward to his contributions.”

Barson anchored the Crew backline to the 2010 USYS U-19 and 2010 USL Super-20 League national championships.

Woodberry was a forward in the FC Dallas academy program, played in the middle of the Terrapins' backline but is projected as an outside back in MLS.

Woodberry, whose uncle Terry Woodberry played in the MISL, was part of the first class of players FC Dallas brought in when it launched its academy program.

2013 Homegrown signings
Columbus:
M Wil Trapp (Akron)
D Chad Barson (Akron)
FC Dallas:
F Bradlee Baladez (South Carolina)
D London Woodberry (Maryland)
Los Angeles:
D Oscar Sorto (academy)
F Gyasi Zardes (CSU Bakersfield)
New York:
G Santiago Castano (academy)
F Amando Moreno (academy)
New England:
M Scott Caldwell (Akron)
Portland:
F Steven Evans (Portland)