Crew sign M Sean Zawadzki to contract extension

The Columbus Crew signed midfielder Sean Zawadzki to a contract extension through the 2027 season, the club announced Friday.

Zawadzki, 23, is a homegrown player, having risen through the organization from Crew Academy to Crew 2 of MLS Next Pro to his MLS debut in June 2022.

"It's an amazing feeling to have signed my second contract with the Crew," Zawadzki said in a news release. "It's the team I've supported my whole life, and from a young age, the team I grew up playing for.

"I'm just thankful for all the support I've gotten from my teammates, the coaches, front office and the staff, and the continued belief they have in me. ... To our fans, I'm excited to get back to work and, hopefully, bring more trophies to Columbus, and give you all a show every Saturday and continue to make you proud."

Zawadzki played both midfielder and defender in 2023, scoring three goals in 30 regular-season appearances. He also appeared in all six postseason matches as the Crew won the third MLS Cup in franchise history.

A native of Olmstead Falls, Ohio, Zawadzki competed for the Crew Academy from 2015-18 for the Under-15/16, U-17/18 and U-18/19 sides. He was a team captain during his last two years.

The former Georgetown University standout (2018-21) earned his first senior cap for the U.S. Men's National Team in an international friendly against Slovenia on Jan. 20.

"After nearly 10 years with the club, from the Academy to the first team, Sean has embodied the values of our club with his commitment to continually better himself and his willingness to always put the team first," Crew president and general manager Tim Bezbatchenko said in the release. "We are immensely proud of the soccer player and person Sean has become. His ability to adapt to difference circumstances was a key part of our success in 2023 in winning MLS Cup, and it was a special moment for our club to see him earn his first senior cap for the U.S. Men's National Team."

—Field Level Media