Columbus Crew signs all-star midfielder Lucas Zelarayan to new multi-year deal
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WSYX) — The Columbus Crew announced Thursday it has signed midfielder Lucas Zelarayan to a new three-year contract through the 2024 season, with an option for 2025.
Zelarayan joined the Crew prior to the 2020 MLS season and helped guide the Crew to an MLS Cup title. He was named the 2020 MLS Newcomer of the Year, 2020 MLS Cup MVP and is a two-time Crew MVP Award recipient.
The 29-year-old midfielder has made 53 appearances and 43 starts for Columbus in all competitions and has 21 goals and 19 assists.
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In 2021, he made 32 appearances and scored 12 goals, three of which were game-winners. He also registered seven assists and was twice voted MLSSoccer.com's Player of the Week.
Zelarayan started the MLS All-Star Game and participated in the MLS All-Star Skills Challenge, finishing first in two event categories.
He was also named Man of the Match in Columbus' win over Cruz Azul in the Campeones Cup.
The Crew said he will continue to occupy a Designated Player slot and an international slot.
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"Over the past two seasons Lucas has proven himself to be one of the top game-changers in MLS and we are excited to sign him to a new contract," Columbus Crew President & General Manager Tim Bezbatchenko said. "We signed Lucas in December of 2019 because we know the importance of having difference-makers in MLS in order to contend for championships. He chose Columbus because he wanted to win trophies, which is exactly what he has done - helping us win MLS Cup last year and Campeones Cup this year. Lucas has proven that he can perform under pressure, and he shines time and time again when the spotlight is brightest. We look forward to seeing what else Lucas and the team can achieve together in 2022 and beyond."
Zelarayan and the Crew will begin the 2022 MLS season on Saturday, Feb. 26. when they host the Vancouver Whitecaps at Lower.com Field.