COLUMBUS – Columbus Crew today announced that it has re-signed forward Erik Hurtado for the 2022 Major League Soccer season with an option for 2023. A 10-year MLS veteran with 149 regular-season appearances, Hurtado returns to the Black & Gold for a second season.
“We’re pleased to welcome Erik back to the Crew for a second season,” said Columbus Crew President & General Manager Tim Bezbatchenko. “He has ten years of experience in our League, and he provides us with options up top and on the wing. Erik’s dedication and hard work throughout preseason have been evident, and we’re excited for him to continue his tenure as a Crew player.”
Acquired via a trade with Club de Foot Montreal on July 8, 2021, Hurtado appeared in nine matches, starting three, for the Crew in 2021. After joining Montreal in February 2021, Hurtado made seven appearances (two starts) while registering two goals and one assist. Before his time in Montreal, Hurtado played for Sporting Kansas City from 2019-2020, making 28 regular-season appearances (11 starts) while recording seven tallies.
The forward got his MLS start with Vancouver Whitecaps FC, who selected him in the First Round of the 2013 MLS SuperDraft. Hurtado spent six seasons in Vancouver from 2013-2018, making 105 regular-season appearances (47 starts) while netting 12 goals and providing 10 assists. During his time with Whitecaps FC, Hurtado helped the club win one Canadian Championship (2015) and three Cascadia Cups (2013, 2014, 2016).
In all, the 31-year-old has registered 19 goals and 11 assists in regular-season action. He additionally has one goal to his credit in three post-season matches.
Crew players are currently training in-market at the OhioHealth Performance Center through February 6 prior to traveling to Charleston, South Carolina, for the second trip of the preseason from February 7-19.
The Black & Gold are set to open the 2022 MLS season by hosting Vancouver Whitecaps FC at Lower.com Field in Opening Match on Saturday, February 26 at 3:30 p.m. ET. Following the home opener, the Crew hits the road and travels to face the San Jose Earthquakes at PayPal Park on March 5 for the first away match of the season. The Crew’s full schedule for the 2022 MLS regular season can be found at ColumbusCrew.com.
The 2022 season will be the Black & Gold’s 27th in MLS and the first full season at Lower.com Field, located in Astor Park. Fans looking to experience Crew matches have several options to save money, while getting the best seats for marquee matches. Season Ticket Memberships include benefits such as private, member-only events; a 10 percent discount at the Crew Shop; monthly, interest-free payment plans; the ability to purchase discounted parking; pre-sale access to all events at Lower.com Field, Historic Crew Stadium and FirstEnergy Stadium; and a dedicated account manager and service representative.
Fans can also choose between various packages that offer great benefits and ticket discounts, including Nine-Match Ticket Plans, Five-Match Ticket Plans, and Group Ticket Plans which are on sale now. Fans can additionally purchase single-match tickets, which are now available.
Supporters interested in securing their seat for the 2022 MLS season can call 614-447-2739, visit columbuscrew.com/tickets or email seasontickets@columbuscrew.com to get connected with a Ticket Sales Representative.
The Crew’s current roster stands at 30 players in advance of the 2022 MLS campaign. Listed alphabetically by position:
Goalkeepers (4): Evan Bush, Eloy Room, Patrick Schulte, Brady Scott
Defenders (7): Jalil Anibaba, Milos Degenek, Jonathan Mensah, Steven Moreira, Jake Morris, Will Sands, Josh Williams
Midfielders (16): Artur, Sebastian Berhalter, Luis Diaz, Derrick Etienne Jr., Marlon Hairston, James Igbekeme, Perry Kitchen, Alex Matan, Kevin Molino, Aidan Morris, Darlington Nagbe, Isaiah Parente, Pedro Santos, Yaw Yeboah, Sean Zawadzki, Lucas Zelarayan
Forwards (3): Miguel Berry, Erik Hurtado, Gyasi Zardes
TRANSACTION: Columbus Crew re-signs forward Erik Hurtado for the 2022 Major League Soccer Season with an option for 2023, announced on February 3, 2022.
