Columbus Crew 2 Acquires Forward Gibran Rayo 

COLUMBUS – Columbus Crew 2 today announced that it has acquired forward Gibran Rayo [pronounced: jib-RAHN RYE-oh]. The 21-year-old joins the reigning MLS NEXT Pro Cup champions following a 13-goal season with Rochester NY FC. Financial terms of the transfer were not disclosed. 

“We would like to welcome Gibran to Columbus,” said Crew 2 General Manager Corey Wray. “As one of the leading goal scorers in MLS NEXT Pro this past season, Gibran has shown that he is a talented player and natural finisher. We are excited to see him integrate into the team and look forward to helping him reach new heights here within the Crew organization in 2023 and beyond.”

In 2022, Rayo appeared in 23 regular season matches (21 starts) for Rochester New York FC. He scored one-third of the team’s total goals, contributing 13, pushing Rochester into the final playoff seed in the Eastern Conference.  

Rayo had three multi-goal games this past season, including a hat trick against Philadelphia Union II on July 1. He finished sixth overall in the MLS NEXT Pro Golden Boot race, just three goals shy of second place.  

An FC Dallas Academy product, Rayo signed with USL League One side North Texas SC on Jan. 15, 2020. In his second season with the club, the forward featured in 27 matches (23 starts), earning USL League One All-League Second Team honors for his performances during the 2021 campaign. 

A dual international, Rayo has represented Mexico at the Under-16 level and the United States at the U-18 level.  

The season schedule and ticketing information for Crew 2 home games will be released in the coming months. 

TRANSACTION: Columbus Crew 2 acquires forward Gibran Rayo on a transfer from Rochester New York FC on December 22, 2022.  

 
Name: Gibran Rayo 
Pronunciation: jib-RAHN RYE-oh 
Position: Forward 
Height: 5’8” 
Weight: 150 lbs. 
Date of Birth: October 14, 2001, in Dallas, TX 
Citizenship: United States 

Acquired: Acquired by Columbus Crew 2 on December 22, 2022