U.S. ABROAD: Conor Casey joins Karlsruhe of German Second Division

American forward Conor Casey, 21, with Hannover 96 since October 2001, is to join Karlsruhe of the German Second Division next season.

Casey's stint in Karlsruhe is another loan from Borussia Dortmund, which retains his rights. Hannover's attempts to buy him last year from Dortmund were rejected.

Conor played 66 minutes over four games for Hannover last season, scoring once. In 2001-2002, the season in which Hannover won promotion from the Second Division, Casey scored seven goals in 17 games.

Karlsruhe finished 13th last season in the 18-team Second Division.