Columbus Crew today announced that following eight years with the Black & Gold, Technical Director & Vice President of Soccer Operations Pat Onstad has departed the Club and is set to join MLS side Houston Dynamo FC as its General Manager, the team for which he won back-to-back MLS Cups as a player in 2006 and 2007.
“I am immensely proud of Pat as he has earned this opportunity and elevated role within MLS,” said Crew President & General Manager Tim Bezbatchenko. “Having had the pleasure of working with Pat over the past three seasons, I know that his knowledge of the league and dedication to the role will help him to excel as a General Manager. Pat’s experience both in coaching and in scouting provide him the tools to evaluate talent. He has also learned the complex league roster rules and salary cap, which is another integral part of the role especially in this league as things are constantly changing and evolving. It is bittersweet to say goodbye to someone who has been a member of our Black & Gold family for the last eight years and we wish him nothing but the best in Houston as he begins this next stage of his career.”
Onstad first joined Columbus Crew in 2014 as an assistant coach. The following season, the Black & Gold captured the 2015 Eastern Conference Championship to reach the MLS Cup. Onstad assumed Interim General Manager duties in late 2018 before accepting the Technical Director position under President & General Manager Tim Bezbatchenko ahead of the 2019 campaign. The Crew won the 2020 MLS Cup and most recently the 2021 Campeones Cup during Onstad’s time in Columbus.
One of the most renowned goalkeepers in Major League Soccer history, Onstad earned numerous accolades and captured three MLS Cup titles with the San Jose Earthquakes (2003) and Houston Dynamo FC (2006, 2007). Onstad also won several individual honors during his career, including two MLS Goalkeeper of the Year awards (2003, 2005), one Canadian Player of the Year award (2003), and was twice named to the MLS Best XI (2003, 2005).
Next up, Columbus Crew hosts Chicago Fire FC on Decision Day, November 7 ColumbusCrew.com (Spanish)], with coverage beginning at 3:00 p.m. ET.
Join us for the regular-season finale at Lower.com Field on November 7 vs. Chicago Fire FC
