By Mariana Smithfield
Mar. 1, 2024
18-year-old Academy Product signs MLS NEXT Pro Professional Contract
COLUMBUS – Columbus Crew 2 have signed Crew Academy defender Chris Rogers to an MLS NEXT Pro professional contract for the 2024 season.
“This is a great moment for Chris and our Club as he signs his first professional contract with Crew 2,” said Corey Wray, Crew 2 General Manager. “Chris has grown into a solid defender during his time with Crew 2 and our Academy, and we look forward to continuing to assist his development in Columbus. This signing is the result of Chris’ hard work as a member of the Academy, along with the coaches’ and entire Club’s dedication to prepare him for this opportunity at the professional level. The Club’s mission is to invest in our athletes on and off the pitch and to provide players with pathways to progress through the professional ranks, and we are excited to another young player of our own staying in Columbus.”
Rogers joined Crew 2 for the 2023 season on an amateur agreement, appearing in 16 matches (13 starts) and amassing 1,116 minutes. The defender appeared in and played all 90 minutes of every match in Crew 2’s MLS NEXT Pro postseason campaign that resulted in Crew 2 hosting its second MLS NEXT Pro Cup in as many years at Lower.com Field on Oct. 22, 2023. Rogers started and played the full match in his professional debut with Crew 2 on March 26, 2023 against New York Red Bulls II.
The Columbus native and New Albany High School senior joined the Crew Academy in 2016. In 2022, Rogers was named the captain of the Columbus Crew Academy U-17 squad. The defender was invited to join the U.S. National Team Camp in Bradenton, Fla. before the camp was cancelled due to COVID.
Rogers joins Brent Adu-Gyamfi, Giorgio De Libera, Stanislav Lapkes and Cole Mrowka as the five Crew Academy players on the current roster to sign professional contracts with Crew 2.
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.
TRANSACTION: Columbus Crew 2 signs defender Chris Rogers to an MLS NEXT Pro professional contract on March 1, 2024.
Name: Chris Rogers
Position: Defender
Date of Birth: Jan. 1, 2006
Hometown: New Albany, OH
Citizenship: United States
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