COLUMBUS – Columbus Crew 2 announced today the signings of defender Cesar Ruvalcaba, midfielder J.J. Granda and defender Malcom Palacios. Ruvalcaba was selected by the Club with the 51st pick (Second Round) in the 2025 MLS Superdraft from Southern Methodist University, Granda joins for the 2025 MLS NEXT Pro season after most recently competing at C.D. Universidad Católica del Ecuador and Palacios was acquired via loan from Independiente Medellin for the 2025 season.
A captain for the Mustangs, Ruvalcaba started all 14 matches in 2024 and registered four goals and seven assists, including the game-winning strike against Central Arkansas. Before transferring to SMU, he played three seasons at the California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, where he logged 61 appearances, three goals and seven assists.
With the Broncos, Ruvalcaba was named a D-2 CCAA All-American and the CCAA Defender of the Year in 2023. The defender led the team to their ninth NCAA Division II Tournament appearance and registered a brace against Cal State Monterey Bay in the second round. The South Gate, Calif., native was named team captain his junior season and ranked second in minutes played in back-to-back years.
Granda made 24 appearances (22 starts) for C.D. Universidad Católica in the 2023 and 2024 seasons. All 22 starts came for the Under-17 team in the Campeonato Nacional.
Palacios spent most of the 2024 season on loan with second-division Colombian side Orsomarso SC, where he started in 15 matches in all competitions. The Colombian also made five starts over 10 appearances for Independiente Medellin.
At the international level, Palacios made three appearances (two starts) with the Colombian Under-16 team, contributing an assist in a friendly against Paraguay.
