By Bert Leeson
Black & Gold secure services of Homegrown Midfielder and Crew Academy product through the 2027 season
Feb. 2, 2024
COLUMBUS – Columbus Crew have signed Homegrown midfielder Sean Zawadzki to a multi-year contract extension through the 2027 season, the Club announced today. The Crew Academy product and 2023 MLS Cup champion is currently in his third season with the Black & Gold.
“After nearly 10 years with the Club, from the Academy to the first team, Sean has embodied the values of our Club with his commitment to continually better himself and his willingness to always put the team first,” said Crew President and General Manager Tim Bezbatchenko. “We are immensely proud of the soccer player and person Sean has become. His ability to adapt to difference circumstances was a key part of our success in 2023 in winning MLS Cup, and it was a special moment for our Club to see him earn his first senior cap for the U.S. Men’s National Team. This contract extension is a testament to Sean’s talent, hard work, and the impact he has on our team. It is also a reflection of the environment at our Club, with Coach Nancy and our entire staff, that allows players to excel. We know there is still more to come from Sean, and we are excited that he will continue to don the Black & Gold for several more seasons as we seek consistent success.”
“It’s an amazing feeling to have signed my second contract with the Crew. It’s the team I’ve supported my whole life, and from a young age, the team I grew up playing for. To be able to continue playing for the Crew is an amazing feeling,” said Zawadzki. “I’m just thankful for all the support I’ve gotten from my teammates, the coaches, front office and the staff, and the continued belief they have in me. I’m also thankful for everything my family has done for me, the continued support they’ve shown me and the sacrifices they’ve made since I was young to drive me to Columbus and help me get to this point in my career, and I’m glad to be staying closer to home so they can continue to come to games and support. To our fans, I’m excited to get back to work and hopefully bring more trophies to Columbus, and give you all a show every Saturday and continue to make you proud.”
The 23-year-old made 30 regular season appearances in 2023, playing both as a midfielder and defender, and scored three goals including a 98th minute equalizer against the New England Revolution on April 15 and a 94th minute equalizer against NYCFC on July 8. He appeared in all six postseason matches, helping the Crew capture the third MLS Cup in franchise history.
Zawadzki joined the Crew as a Homegrown Player on Jan. 13, 2022. As a rookie, he made his MLS debut on June 25, earning the start and going the full 90 minutes as the Crew captured a point on the road with a 0-0 draw at Real Salt Lake. Four days later, Zawadzki again earned the start and scored his first MLS goal with a left-footed shot from distance in the 18th minute of a 2-1 road win at Toronto FC on June 29. In all, Zawadzki made five MLS appearances (four starts) in his first professional season.
Zawadzki additionally spent time with Crew 2 during the 2022 season, appearing in 21 MLS NEXT Pro games (19 starts). He scored one goal and added two assists and played the full 90 minutes as Crew 2 captured the inaugural MLS NEXT Pro Cup at Lower.com Field on Oct. 8.
Born in Olmstead Falls, Ohio, the midfielder represented the Crew Academy from 2015-2018, featuring for the Under-15/16, U-17/18 and U-18/19 sides, and serving as captain during his last two years.
Zawadzki spent his collegiate career at Georgetown University. From 2018-21, he made 74 appearances (66 starts) while scoring four goals and providing six assists. A captain during the 2020 and 2021 seasons, the midfielder was pivotal in helping the Hoyas win the 2019 NCAA College Cup title as well as two Big East Conference Tournaments (2019, 2021) and three Big East regular-season championships (2019, 2020, 2021). Zawadzki was awarded Georgetown’s 2019 Most Valuable Player Award as well as the 2020 Ricardo Mendoza Award for spirit, leadership and dedication. He was also recognized as the 2021 Big East Defensive Player of the Year while being named a semifinalist for the 2021 MAC Hermann Trophy.
Following the Crew’s championship season, Zawadzki was recently called-up by U.S. Men’s National Team Head Coach Gregg Berhalter to take part in the annual January Training Camp. He earned his first senior cap for the USMNT in an international friendly against Slovenia on Jan. 20, 2024, featuring for the full 90 minutes of the United States’ first match of the year.
TRANSACTION: Columbus Crew sign Homegrown midfielder Sean Zawadzki to contract extension through the 2027 season on Feb. 2, 2024.
ABOUT COLUMBUS CREW
Columbus Crew is the first club in Major League Soccer. The Crew is operated by Haslam Sports Group and the Edwards Family. The Club has won three MLS Cup championships in 2008, 2020 and 2023, one Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup in 2002, MLS Supporters’ Shield titles in 2004, 2008 and 2009, and the Campeones Cup in 2021. The 2024 campaign is the Crew’s 29th season in MLS as well as the Club’s third full season at Lower.com Field.
Website: ColumbusCrew.com | Twitter: @ColumbusCrew | Instagram: @ColumbusCrew | Hashtag: #Crew96 | Facebook.com/columbuscrew | App: ColumbusCrew.com/app | Stadium: Lower.com Field | Training Facility: OhioHealth Performance Center
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