There may never be a striker more synonymous with MLS NEXT Pro than Jacen Russell-Rowe.
In the league’s inaugural season, the Canadian goal-scoring machine essentially wrote the record book en route to being the first-ever MLS NEXT Pro MVP and leading Columbus Crew 2 to the 2022 MLS NEXT Pro Cup.
His efforts were rewarded with a pair of call-ups to the Columbus first team, where he impressed enough for a full-time contract.
In the years to come, he and fellow Crew 2 alums Mohamed Farsi, Patrick Schulte, and Co. played vital roles in Columbus Crew’s MLS Cup 2023 and Leagues Cup 2024 championships.
MLS NEXT Pro debut: March 26, 2022
Signed first-team contract: June 29, 2022
Honors:
2022 MLS NEXT Pro Cup champion
2022 MLS NEXT Pro MVP
