Columbus Crew Looks to Inspire Next Generation with Emerging Stars
Crew Talents Earn National Team Looks
The Columbus Crew have been a consistent force in MLS in recent years, and their rising stars are now earning recognition on the international stage. Goalkeeper Patrick Schulte and midfielder Aidan Morris have both received call-ups to the U.S. men's national team, aiming to represent their country ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
Schulte, 24, first joined the USMNT player pool in 2024 and has become a fixture in the goalkeeper rotation. After a standout 2025 campaign with the Crew, he's been summoned again for the October friendlies. "It's an honor to get the chance to compete for a spot on the national team," Schulte said. "Representing the U.S. is a dream, and I'm grateful the Crew have helped prepare me for this opportunity."
Midfield maestro Aidan Morris, 23, is also eyeing a place on the USMNT. After winning two MLS Cups with his hometown Crew, he made the bold move to join England's Middlesbrough FC in 2023. His performances in the EFL Championship have caught the eye of USMNT coach Gregg Berhalter.
"Aidan is the type of player who can really inspire the next generation coming up," Berhalter said. "His technical ability, work rate, and big-game mentality are exactly what we're looking for as we build towards 2026."
UFL Expansion Brings New Pro Team to Columbus
In other Crew-related news, the city of Columbus will soon welcome a new professional football team. The Columbus Aviators of the United Football League (UFL) were officially introduced this week, set to begin play at the historic Crew Stadium.
UFL co-owner Mike Repole expressed excitement about expanding to Columbus, one of the league's targeted growth markets. "We see Columbus as a passionate sports town ready to embrace another professional franchise," Repole said. "The Aviators will give local fans another high-caliber team to rally behind."
Led by UFL president Russ Brandon, the Aviators will look to capitalize on the city's love for football. They'll compete in the UFL's Midwest division, facing off against teams from Ohio, Indiana, and Michigan.
Crew Aim to Inspire Next Generation
For the Crew organization, the national team call-ups and UFL expansion represent a chance to further cement Columbus as a hub for elite football talent.
"Our goal has always been to develop players who can perform at the highest levels, whether that's in MLS, Europe, or with the national team," said Crew president Tim Bezbatchenko. "Seeing homegrown guys like Aidan and Patrick get these opportunities is incredibly rewarding. It shows the next generation of Columbus kids that their dreams are within reach."
The Crew have long prioritized their academy system, producing a steady stream of MLS-ready talent. With more local pros on the national stage, the club hopes to inspire the next wave of soccer stars in central Ohio.
TL;DR
- Crew players Patrick Schulte and Aidan Morris earn USMNT call-ups, aiming to represent the U.S. ahead of 2026 World Cup
- New UFL expansion team, the Columbus Aviators, set to begin play at historic Crew Stadium
- Crew organization sees national team recognition and local pro expansion as a chance to inspire the next generation of Columbus soccer talent