June 29, 2022 – MLS NEXT Pro (MLS NEXT Pro) – Columbus Crew 2 News Release
COLUMBUS – Columbus Crew today announced that the Club has signed forward Jacen Russell-Rowe (pronounced: JAY-sen, like Jason) from Columbus Crew 2 through the 2024 season with options for 2025 and 2026. The 19-year-old is the first Crew 2 player to sign a contract with the First Team following strong performances in MLS NEXT Pro. The Crew acquired Russell-Rowe’s MLS Homegrown Priority from Toronto FC in exchange for $50,000 in General Allocation Money (GAM) for 2022, with potential for additional allocation money should Russell-Rowe meet certain performance-based incentives.
Russell-Rowe signed with Crew 2 on March 18 of this year and made his debut for the team as a substitute in an MLS NEXT Pro road contest against Inter Miami CF II (March 26). Since then, the forward has made 11 regular-season appearances (nine starts) while scoring 11 goals and providing two assists. The 19-year-old currently leads MLS NEXT Pro in goals scored while boasting an average of 1.24 goals per 90 minutes played.
The Canadian forward has previously made two appearances for the Crew’s First Team while on short-term loan, coming in as a substitute in the Black & Gold’s recent matches against Charlotte FC (June 18) and Real Salt Lake (June 25).
“Jacen has impressed us with his performances for Crew 2 in MLS NEXT Pro and we believe he will continue to develop as a player,” said Columbus Crew President & General Manager Tim Bezbatchenko. “This signing showcases the benefits of having a second team and is a testament to the success that Crew 2, and Jacen, are having this year. I would like to thank Caleb, Corey and Laurent as they have worked together to help create a path for young players like Jacen to transition from Crew 2 to the First Team.”
Russell-Rowe is currently on a nine-match goal-scoring streak, with the striker scoring 11 goals over that span. The forward – who was voted the MLS NEXT Pro Player of the Month for May – has contributed to a total of 13 goals for Crew 2 this season, registering three game-winning goals and two game-winning assists.
“Having the first Crew 2 player sign for the First Team is a milestone moment for our Club and over time we hope that Jacen is the first of many Crew 2 players to join the First Team,” said Columbus Crew Assistant General Manager & Crew 2 General Manager Corey Wray. “Across our entire player pathway, we want to create a structure that prepares…
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