COLUMBUS – Columbus Crew today announced that the Club will sign midfielder Federico Higuain to a one-day contract, allowing the Crew legend to officially retire as a member of the Black & Gold. Higuain, a three-time recipient of the Crew’s Most Valuable Player Award, will sign the ceremonial agreement and be honored at the Crew’s home match against Nashville SC at Lower.com Field on April 2 at 6:00 p.m. ET.

Over the course of eight seasons with the Crew, Higuain appeared in 193 regular-season matches (184 starts), scored 55 goals and added 63 assists. Pipa, as he is affectionately known, additionally appeared in 14 postseason matches, scoring four goals and tallying five assists.

Higuain finished his tenure as the Club’s all-time leader in regular-season assists (63) and game-winning assists (20), while also ranking third in the Crew’s all-time regular-season goals scored list (55) and fourth in game-winning goals (12).

Higuain joined the Crew on July 27, 2012, as the third Designated Player in Club history. In his debut season, Higuain appeared in 13 regular-season matches (11 starts), recording five goals and seven assists en route to winning the 2012 MLS Newcomer of the Year Award.

In 2013, the midfielder registered a career-high 11 goals and nine assists in 29 regular-season appearances (all starts) which earned him the Black & Gold’s Most Valuable Player Award. The following season, Higuain made 29 regular-season appearances (28 starts), registering 11 goals and seven assists to capture the Crew’s Golden Boot and his second consecutive MVP Award.

Higuain followed up the success of the 2014 season by making 32 regular-season appearances (all starts) and recording eight goals and nine assists in 2015 while playing a key role in the Crew’s run to MLS Cup.

In 2017, Higuain registered nine goals and a career-high 11 assists in 26 regular-season matches, capturing his third Club MVP Award.

The Black & Gold are set to open the 2022 MLS season by hosting Vancouver Whitecaps FC at Lower.com Field in Opening Match on Saturday, February 26 at 3:30 p.m. ET. The Crew’s full schedule for the 2022 MLS regular season can be found at ColumbusCrew.com.

The 2022 season will be the Black & Gold’s 27th in MLS and the first full season at Lower.com Field, located in Astor Park. Fans looking to experience Crew matches have several options to save money, while getting the best seats for marquee matches. Season Ticket Memberships include benefits such as private, member-only events; a 10 percent discount at the Crew Shop; monthly, interest-free payment plans; the ability to purchase discounted parking; pre-sale access to all events at Lower.com Field, Historic Crew Stadium and FirstEnergy Stadium; and a dedicated account manager and service representative.

Fans can also choose between various packages that offer great benefits and ticket discounts, including Nine-Match Ticket Plans, Five-Match Ticket Plans, and Group Ticket Plans which are on sale now. Fans can additionally purchase single-match tickets, which are now available.

Supporters interested in securing their seat for the 2022 MLS season can call 614-447-2739, visit columbuscrew.com/tickets or email seasontickets@columbuscrew.com to get connected with a Ticket Sales Representative.

COURTESY COLUMBUS CREW COMMUNICATIONS