COLUMBUS - Columbus Crew 2 has signed 17-year-old Crew Academy midfielder Cole Mrowka to an MLS NEXT Pro professional contract.
“Since Cole first came to Columbus last summer, whether playing with the Academy, having an expanded role with Crew 2 this season, to spending preseason training with the First Team, we have seen first-hand the determination and hard work he has put into pursuing his goal of becoming a professional,” said Crew 2 General Manager Corey Wray. “His signing is a testament to the efforts of our entire Club for creating an environment that prepares our young athletes for each step along the player pathway. We are proud of what Cole has accomplished in his time within our organization and we look forward to helping him develop even further.”
A member of the Crew Academy since July of 2022, Mrowka started all six of the Under-17’s games in the recent Generation adidas Cup, contributing a goal as the Crew reached the semifinals.
Mrowka made his MLS NEXT Pro debut against FC Cincinnati 2 on Aug. 14, 2022. This season, the midfielder has appeared in 20 matches (13 starts) and is tied for the team lead in assists (four). Mrowka scored his first professional goal on April 30, sparking a 3-2 comeback victory over Inter Miami CF II. The 77th minute strike was voted MLS NEXT Pro Goal of Matchday 6.
Twice named MLS NEXT Rising Star of the Matchday for his performances, Mrowka was selected to take part in the 2023 MLS NEXT All-Star Game.
Mrokwa joins Aidan Wolf, Zion Scarlett and Taha Habroune as the four Crew Academy players to sign professional contracts with Crew 2.
Next up, Crew 2 host FC Cincinnati 2 at Historic Crew Stadium on Saturday, Aug. 19 6 p.m. ET / MLS Season Pass on Apple TV\]. Starting at 5 p.m. on Saturday, the Club will host its inaugural Hell is Real Pig Roast prior to Crew 2’s “Heck is Plausible” derby. Additional information on the game, which will be free for all fans, can be found [here.
TRANSACTION: Columbus Crew 2 signs midfielder Cole Mrowka to an MLS NEXT Pro professional contract on Aug. 18, 2023.
Name: Cole Mrowka
Pronunciation: mah-RAH-kah
Position: Midfielder
Date of Birth: April 6, 2006
Hometown: Lincolnshire, IL
Citizenship: United States
