Friday, Aug 12, 2022

COLUMBUS — Columbus Crew 2 today announced that it has signed defender and midfielder Ariel Mbumba [pronounced: ARE-ee-uhl MOOM-bah] to an MLS NEXT Pro professional contract on a transfer from Oakland Roots SC of the USL Championship pending league and federation approval. Contract terms were not disclosed.

Mbumba, 20, played for Oakland Roots SC from 2019-2022, making 38 appearances across all competitions while scoring four goals. The midfielder helped the team reach the USL Championship Western Conference Semifinals in 2021.

Crew 2 currently sits in first place in the MLS NEXT Pro Eastern Conference standings, boasting a record of 13-3-2. The Black & Gold return to action in a road contest against FC Cincinnati 2 at TQL Stadium on Sunday, August 14 [6 p.m. ET / MLSNEXTPro.com (stream)].

TRANSACTION: Columbus Crew 2 signs midfielder Ariel Mbumba to an MLS NEXT Pro professional contract on a transfer from Oakland Roots SC of the USL Championship on August 12, 2022.

Name: Ariel Mbumba
Pronunciation:ARE-ee-uhl MOOM-bah
Position: Defender/Midfielder
Height: 5’8”
Weight:160 lbs.
Born: September 24, 2001 in Kinshasa, DR Congo
Hometown: San Jose, CA
Nationality: United States, DR Congo
Acquired: Signed by Columbus Crew 2 on August 12, 2022

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