The Columbus Crew has loaned forward Jeff Cunningham to Bayer Leverkusen of the German Bundesliga for the MLS offseason. The agreement stipulates that Cunningham will return to Columbus three
weeks prior to the start of the 2002 MLS season. Cunningham, 25, became the first player in Crew history to record double-figure totals in both goals (10) and assists (13) in the same season in
2001, totaling 33 points, which placed him fourth in the league in scoring. "This is a great opportunity to play alongside some of the best players in the world," Cunningham said. "I think it will
help me improve tremendously as a player. I am looking forward to the experience." He departs for Leverkusen on Oct. 9.
