Columbus Crew Squad 2025

The Columbus Crew, one of Major League Soccer‘s most storied franchises, has consistently been a force to reckon with in American soccer. As the 2025 season approaches, the Crew has meticulously assembled a squad brimming with talent, experience, and youthful exuberance. This post delves into the intricacies of the Columbus Crew squad for 2025, breaking down the team into goalkeepers, defenders, midfielders, and forwards. Each player is profiled in detail, highlighting their nationality, former clubs, transfer fees, and key statistics. The aim is to provide a comprehensive overview of the team poised to make waves in the upcoming season.

Goalkeepers

Patrick Schulte

Nationality: American
Former Clubs: Saint Louis FC, Columbus Crew 2.
Transfer Fee: N/A (Academy Graduate)
Patrick Schulte has emerged as one of the most promising goalkeepers in MLS. Standing at 6’4″, Schulte commands his penalty area with authority. His reflexes are razor-sharp, and his ability to read the game has seen him make crucial saves in high-pressure situations. Schulte joined the Crew’s academy in 2020 and quickly rose through the ranks, making his first-team debut in 2023. His distribution is excellent, often initiating quick counter-attacks with precise long balls. In the 2024 season, Schulte kept 12 clean sheets in 30 appearances, boasting a save percentage of 74%. His performances have not gone unnoticed, with rumors of European clubs monitoring his progress.

Evan Bush

Nationality: American
Former Clubs: Montreal Impact, Vancouver Whitecaps.
Transfer Fee: $100,000
Veteran goalkeeper Evan Bush provides invaluable experience and depth to the Crew’s goalkeeping department. At 38, Bush’s leadership and mentorship are crucial for the younger players. Known for his shot-stopping abilities and command during set-pieces, Bush has been a reliable backup. He joined Columbus in 2023 from Vancouver Whitecaps for a modest fee. Despite limited appearances, his presence in the locker room and during training sessions is highly regarded. Bush’s experience in MLS, spanning over a decade, makes him an essential part of the squad.

Brady Scott

Nationality: American
Former Clubs: FC Köln, Nashville SC.
Transfer Fee: $50,000
Brady Scott, a former U.S. youth international, joined the Crew in 2024 from Nashville SC. Scott spent his formative years in Germany with FC Köln, where he honed his skills in a highly competitive environment. At 25, Scott is still developing but has shown glimpses of his potential. His agility and quick reflexes make him a capable shot-stopper. Scott’s distribution is also a strong suit, often playing out from the back with confidence. While he is third in the pecking order, Scott’s potential makes him a valuable asset for the future.

Defenders

Steven Moreira

Nationality: French
Former Clubs: Toulouse, Lorient.
Transfer Fee: $500,000
Steven Moreira has been a mainstay in the Crew’s defense since his arrival in 2022. The French right-back is known for his attacking prowess, often overlapping to support the wingers. Moreira’s crossing accuracy and ability to deliver pinpoint passes into the box have resulted in numerous assists. Defensively, he is solid, with a tackle success rate of 68% in the 2024 season. Moreira’s experience in Ligue 1 has been invaluable, bringing a level of composure and tactical awareness that has elevated the Crew’s backline.

Milos Degenek

Nationality: Australian
Former Clubs: Red Star Belgrade, Al-Hilal.
Transfer Fee: $750,000
Milos Degenek, the Australian center-back, is the bedrock of the Crew’s defense. Known for his no-nonsense approach, Degenek excels in aerial duels and has a knack for making crucial interceptions. His leadership on the pitch is evident, often organizing the defense and communicating effectively with his teammates. Degenek joined Columbus in 2023 from Al-Hilal for a significant fee, reflecting his importance to the team. In the 2024 season, he averaged 5.2 clearances per game and had a pass completion rate of 88%. His experience in top leagues across Europe and Asia has been instrumental in the Crew’s defensive solidity.

Gustavo Vallecilla

Nationality: Ecuadorian
Former Clubs: Barcelona SC, FC Cincinnati.
Transfer Fee: $300,000
Gustavo Vallecilla, the Ecuadorian center-back, joined the Crew in 2024 from FC Cincinnati. Vallecilla is known for his physicality and ability to read the game. At 25, he is entering his prime and has shown consistent performances. His tackling is robust, with a success rate of 71% in the 2024 season. Vallecilla’s ability to play out from the back has also been a key asset, often initiating attacks with precise long balls. His partnership with Degenek has been pivotal in the Crew’s defensive success.

Will Sands

Nationality: American
Former Clubs: New York City FC.
Transfer Fee: $200,000
Will Sands, the versatile left-back, joined the Crew in 2023 from New York City FC. Sands is known for his attacking instincts, often making overlapping runs to support the wingers. His crossing accuracy and ability to deliver dangerous set-pieces have resulted in several assists. Defensively, Sands is reliable, with a tackle success rate of 65% in the 2024 season. His versatility allows him to play as a wing-back or even in midfield, providing the coach with tactical flexibility. Sands’ energy and work rate make him a fan favorite.

Philip Quinton

Nationality: American
Former Clubs: Portland Timbers 2.
Transfer Fee: N/A (SuperDraft Pick)
Philip Quinton, a product of the SuperDraft, has quickly established himself as a reliable option in defense. The 23-year-old center-back is known for his aerial prowess and ability to read the game. Quinton’s physicality and composure under pressure have earned him a regular spot in the squad. In the 2024 season, he averaged 4.8 clearances per game and had a pass completion rate of 85%. Quinton’s development has been impressive, and he is seen as a future star for both the Crew and the U.S. national team.

Midfielders

Darlington Nagbe

Nationality: American
Former Clubs: Portland Timbers, Atlanta United.
Transfer Fee: $1,000,000
Darlington Nagbe, the midfield maestro, continues to be the heartbeat of the Columbus Crew. Known for his exceptional ball control and vision, Nagbe dictates the tempo of the game with ease. His ability to retain possession under pressure and pick out incisive passes has been crucial for the Crew’s attacking play. Nagbe joined Columbus in 2020 from Atlanta United for a significant fee, and his impact has been profound. In the 2024 season, he had a pass completion rate of 92% and contributed 7 assists. Nagbe’s experience and leadership make him an indispensable part of the squad.

Aidan Morris

Nationality: American
Former Clubs: Columbus Crew 2.
Transfer Fee: N/A (Academy Graduate)
Aidan Morris, a product of the Crew’s academy, has blossomed into one of the most promising midfielders in MLS. The 23-year-old is known for his tireless work rate and ability to break up opposition play. Morris’s tackling and interceptions have been key in shielding the defense. In the 2024 season, he averaged 3.2 tackles per game and had a pass completion rate of 89%. Morris’s energy and tenacity make him a fan favorite, and his potential has attracted interest from European clubs.

Lucas Zelarayán

Nationality: Armenian
Former Clubs: Tigres UANL, Al-Fateh.
Transfer Fee: $2,000,000
Lucas Zelarayán, the creative force in the Crew’s midfield, is known for his flair and ability to score spectacular goals. The Armenian playmaker joined Columbus in 2020 from Tigres UANL and has been a revelation. Zelarayán’s vision and ability to deliver pinpoint passes have resulted in numerous assists. In the 2024 season, he contributed 12 goals and 10 assists, showcasing his importance to the team. Zelarayán’s set-piece delivery is also a key asset, often resulting in goals. His creativity and technical ability make him one of the most exciting players in MLS.

Sean Zawadzki

Nationality: American
Former Clubs: Columbus Crew 2.
Transfer Fee: N/A (Academy Graduate)
Sean Zawadzki, another academy graduate, has established himself as a reliable option in midfield. The 24-year-old is known for his versatility, capable of playing as a defensive midfielder or center-back. Zawadzki’s tackling and ability to read the game have been crucial in breaking up opposition play. In the 2024 season, he averaged 2.8 tackles per game and had a pass completion rate of 87%. Zawadzki’s work ethic and determination make him a valuable asset for the Crew.

Yaw Yeboah

Nationality: Ghanaian
Former Clubs: CD Numancia, Wisła Kraków.
Transfer Fee: $1,500,000
Yaw Yeboah, the Ghanaian winger, joined the Crew in 2023 from Wisła Kraków. Yeboah is known for his pace and dribbling ability, often tormenting defenders with his quick feet. His ability to cut inside and unleash powerful shots has resulted in several goals. In the 2024 season, Yeboah contributed 8 goals and 6 assists, showcasing his attacking prowess. Yeboah’s versatility allows him to play on either wing, providing the coach with tactical flexibility. His flair and creativity make him a key player in the Crew’s attacking setup.

Forwards

Cucho Hernández

Nationality: Colombian
Former Clubs: Watford, Huesca.
Transfer Fee: $10,000,000
Cucho Hernández, the Colombian striker, is the crown jewel of the Columbus Crew’s attack. Known for his clinical finishing and ability to score from various positions, Hernández has been a revelation since joining in 2022. His movement off the ball and ability to link up play have been crucial for the Crew’s attacking success. In the 2024 season, Hernández scored 18 goals and provided 7 assists, making him one of the most feared strikers in MLS. His experience in top European leagues has been invaluable, bringing a level of quality that has elevated the Crew’s attack.

Christian Ramirez

Nationality: American
Former Clubs: LAFC, Houston Dynamo.
Transfer Fee: $500,000
Christian Ramirez, the experienced forward, joined the Crew in 2023 from Houston Dynamo. Ramirez is known for his poaching ability and knack for being in the right place at the right time. His aerial prowess and ability to hold up play have been crucial in the Crew’s attacking setup. In the 2024 season, Ramirez contributed 10 goals and 4 assists, showcasing his importance to the team. Ramirez’s experience and leadership make him a valuable asset, both on and off the pitch.

Jacen Russell-Rowe

Nationality: Canadian
Former Clubs: Columbus Crew 2.
Transfer Fee: N/A (Academy Graduate)
Jacen Russell-Rowe, the young Canadian forward, has quickly established himself as a key player for the Crew. The 22-year-old is known for his pace and ability to stretch defenses with his runs. Russell-Rowe’s finishing has been impressive, often scoring crucial goals. In the 2024 season, he contributed 9 goals and 5 assists, showcasing his potential. Russell-Rowe’s development has been rapid, and he is seen as a future star for both the Crew and the Canadian national team.

Isaiah Parente

Nationality: American
Former Clubs: Columbus Crew 2.
Transfer Fee: N/A (Academy Graduate)
Isaiah Parente, the versatile forward, has been a reliable option for the Crew. The 24-year-old is known for his work rate and ability to play in multiple positions. Parente’s ability to link up play and create chances has been crucial in the Crew’s attacking setup. In the 2024 season, he contributed 5 goals and 6 assists, showcasing his importance to the team. Parente’s versatility and work ethic make him a valuable asset for the Crew.

Conclusion

The Columbus Crew squad for 2025 is a blend of experienced veterans and promising young talents. Each player brings unique qualities that contribute to the team’s overall success. From the commanding presence of Patrick Schulte in goal to the clinical finishing of Cucho Hernández up front, the Crew is well-equipped to compete at the highest level. The midfield, led by the ever-reliable Darlington Nagbe and the creative Lucas Zelarayán, provides the perfect balance of defensive solidity and attacking flair. The defense, anchored by Milos Degenek and Steven Moreira, is robust and organized. With a mix of youth and experience, the Columbus Crew is poised to make a significant impact in the 2025 MLS season. The future looks bright for the Crew, and fans can look forward to an exciting and successful campaign.