The pathway from the Academy to the Columbus Crew first team got much clearer on Monday. The club announced the long-awaited Crew 2, a second team that will provide a step for players from the team’s Academy to the first team, as well as a chance for current professionals to continue their development within the club.
Crew 2 will take part in the inaugural MLS Next Pro, Major League Soccer’s new second-team league, in 2022. The new league under the MLS umbrella was announced as well on Monday. Crew 2 will play its regular season matches at historic Crew Stadium and compete for the MLS NEXT Pro championship alongside 20 other clubs.