By R.G. Mason

Feb. 21, 2024

COLUMBUS – Columbus Crew 2 have signed goalkeeper Cole Johnson for the 2024 MLS NEXT Pro season. The 23-year-old joins the Black & Gold after most recently completing a four-year collegiate career at Southern Methodist University. Johnson appeared in 52 matches (49 starts) for the Mustangs from 2021-2023, registering 4,551 minutes, 136 saves, and 18 shutouts. In 2023, he was named American Athletic Conference (AAC) Goalkeeper of the Year.

“Cole is a skilled shot-stopper, and we are very excited to be adding him to our talented pool of goalkeepers competing with Crew 2,” said Corey Wray, Crew 2 General Manager. “He brings valuable experience from his collegiate career, and we look forward to helping him continue to develop, as an athlete and as an individual.”

As a senior at SMU in 2023, Johnson started all 19 matches of the season, recording eight shutouts, 46 saves, and 1,692 minutes in goal. Upon the conclusion of the 2023 campaign, Johnson was ranked as the No. 33 player in the country and received honors from the United Soccer Coaches as a NCAA Division I Second Team All-American. He was recognized as the AAC Goalkeeper of the Week four times throughout his senior season, three consecutively. Johnson also received AAC All-Rookie accolades for the 2020-2021 season.

Prior to SMU, Johnson played for Real Salt Lake – Arizona’s Academy where he was recognized with ECNL All-Conference honors in 2018 and 2019. The Phoenix native played three seasons at Scottsdale Christian Academy before finishing his high school career at Chapparal High School, where he was nominated for the Arizona Republic Player of the Year award. In 2020, he was selected to take part in a U.S Youth Soccer ODP National Training Camp.

Crew 2 begin the MLS NEXT Pro season at home against New York Red Bulls II at Lower.com Field on Sunday, March 17 at 3 p.m. ET. The full season schedule can be found here.

Supporters can secure their spot to all Crew 2 home matches with 2024 Crew 2 Season Tickets. Crew 2 season ticket packages are available for the affordable average prices of $7.50 per match for current Crew Season Ticket Members and $12 per contest for other fans. Information on single-game tickets, which are also available, can be found here.

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