Brad Stuver will battle Sean Johnson and Andre Rawls for the NYCFC starting job in net in 2018. (Photo courtesy of MLS)

NEW YORK – New York City FC Thursday acquired goalkeeper Brad Stuver from Columbus Crew SC for a fourth round pick in the 2019 MLS SuperDraft.

Stuver became City’s third signing this offseason, joining defenders Anton Tinnerholm, who signed Wednesday, and Saad Abdul-Salaam, obtained in a trade with Sporting Kansas City for Khiry Shelton earlier Thursday.

The 26-year-old keeper had his option declined by Columbus Dec. 1.

“It feels great to be here after watching the Club develop over the last couple of years from afar – I’m very excited,” he said in a press release.

“My first experience of Yankee Stadium was my second professional game and you could just tell that the fans are dedicated to the team and that the city is behind this club – it left a lasting impression with me.”

Stuver became NYCFC’s third goalkeeper along with Sean Johnson and Andre Rawls.

“I’m really looking forward to getting started in New York and working with Sean and Andre, competing for that spot and improving together.”

NYCFC head coach Patrick Vieira felt that Stuver will transition to his new team quickly.

“Brad is coming to us from Columbus who are a team with a similar playing philosophy to us, so that will help him to adapt,” he said. “You always want to bring in players who can challenge other players in their position because I strongly believe that’s how you get the best out of them, when they work hard every day and push each other to improve the team.

Stuver has made two MLS appearances for Columbus, facing off against City in his second pro game on Decision Day at Yankee Stadium in 2016. It was the last time Stuver made an appearance for Columbus in league action.

“Brad fits the profile of goalkeeper we wanted to bring to NYCFC,” sporting director Claudio Reyna said. “He is a good shot stopper with really good feet and will be an excellent addition to our club.”

Front Row Soccer editor Michael Lewis has covered 13 World Cups (eight men, five women), seven Olympics and 25 MLS Cups. He has written about New York City FC, New York Cosmos, the New York Red Bulls and both U.S. national teams for Newsday and has penned a soccer history column for the Guardian.com. Lewis, who has been honored by the Press Club of Long Island and National Soccer Coaches Association of America, is the former editor of BigAppleSoccer.com. He has written seven books about the beautiful game and has published ALIVE AND KICKING The incredible but true story of the Rochester Lancers. It is available at Amazon.com.