J. Russell-Rowe, Columbus Crew, Forward, #19: Career & Impact

When you watch the Columbus Crew take the field, one name just keeps popping up: J. Russell-Rowe, the 23-year-old forward wearing number 19.

His sharp movement, quick finishing, and calm presence in front of goal make him stand out every match.

Here’s a player who’s turned potential into real production, becoming a key part of Columbus’s attack.

Born in Toronto, Ontario, and once a standout at the University of Maryland, Russell-Rowe’s journey to Major League Soccer really shows steady growth and focus.

He led Columbus Crew 2 in MLS NEXT Pro with 21 goals in 2022.

That breakout earned him a first-team spot, and he played a part in helping the Crew capture the 2023 MLS Cup.

His rise from youth prospect to professional starter speaks to both his talent and his discipline.

Let’s look at how Russell-Rowe built his career, from his early days in Canada to his international debut for the Canadian national team.

Every stage of his journey offers insight into what makes him one of MLS’s most promising young forwards—and why his story keeps unfolding with every match.

Profile of J. Russell-Rowe

You see a player who blends sharp instincts with steady growth.

His path from Toronto to Major League Soccer shows how focus and development can shape a reliable forward.

Each part of his journey adds to his steady rise with the Columbus Crew.

Personal Background

Jacen Russell-Rowe was born on September 13, 2002, in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

His early years in North York gave him a strong base in soccer.

He played youth soccer with the Toronto FC Academy, where he worked on his technical control and finishing.

He attended the University of Maryland, playing one season for the Terrapins from 2020 to 2021.

In that season, he appeared in 26 matches and scored four goals.

His college performance earned him a spot on the Big Ten All-Freshman Team, which confirmed his potential at a young age.

Russell-Rowe later joined Columbus Crew 2 in 2022.

He scored a league-leading 21 goals in 19 matches and picked up both the MLS Next Pro MVP and Golden Boot awards.

His quick success led to a call-up to the first team, where he kept showing promise as a forward for the Columbus Crew.

Physical Attributes

Russell-Rowe’s athletic frame fits his position well.

Standing around 6 feet tall, he combines balance, pace, and control.

His build helps him hold off defenders and stay composed inside the box.

He uses his strength to win aerial duels and his acceleration to create space behind defensive lines.

His movements stay efficient, which helps him conserve energy during long matches.

Attribute	Description
Height	6 ft (1.83 m)
Weight	170 lbs (77 kg)
Preferred Foot	Right
Playing Style	Direct, composed finisher
Strengths	Positioning, finishing, off-ball movement

His physical tools work well with his tactical awareness.

He rarely overextends himself and often positions early, giving him a small but steady edge in attacking plays.

Primary Position and Jersey Number

Russell-Rowe plays as a forward for the Columbus Crew, wearing jersey number 19.

He’s a central striker who thrives on timing and anticipation.

His job? Find space, link play, and finish chances.

He often positions himself between defenders, looking for small gaps in the back line.

His awareness lets him adjust quickly when the team shifts from possession to attack.

In 2023, he made 21 appearances for the Crew, scoring four goals and adding three assists, according to Columbus Crew’s official profile.

His ability to adapt to MLS speed and physicality shows maturity beyond his years.

You can expect him to stay an important piece of the Crew’s forward rotation as he keeps refining his game and decision-making in the final third.

Columbus Crew Career

Jacen Russell-Rowe’s time with the Columbus Crew shows steady growth from a promising prospect to a reliable MLS contributor.

His early move from college soccer at the University of Maryland to the pros set the stage for consistent performances that helped the Crew compete deep into multiple competitions.

MLS Debut and First Team Role

You probably first noticed Russell-Rowe in 2022 when he joined the Columbus Crew after excelling with Columbus Crew 2.

He signed on during the inaugural MLS Next Pro season, scored a league-best 21 goals in 19 matches, and picked up both the Golden Boot and MVP awards.

After that breakout, the Crew promoted him to the first team.

He made his MLS debut in June 2022 and recorded two assists in a 2–1 win over Toronto FC.

His quick adjustment to the league showed his ability to read the game and link up with senior teammates.

He kept earning minutes through late 2022, usually coming off the bench but making a clear case for a long-term spot.

His early first-team role focused on energy, pressing, and sharp finishing instincts that carried over from his developmental success.

Key Performances and Statistics

Russell-Rowe’s 2023 season was his first full campaign as a regular contributor.

He logged 21 appearances, including four starts, with four goals and three assists for the Crew.

His production showed up in key moments, like a goal and assist in a 6–1 win over Atlanta United and another big strike against Toronto FC.

2023 Season Summary

Category	Total
Appearances	21
Starts	4
Goals	4
Assists	3
MLS Playoff Appearances	2

You could see his confidence grow as he earned his first senior call-up for Canada at the 2023 Concacaf Gold Cup.

That international experience reinforced his composure and awareness, qualities that carried back into his MLS play.

MLS Cup and Playoff Contributions

When the Crew entered the postseason, Russell-Rowe’s role grew in meaningful ways.

He appeared in two playoff matches, giving Columbus attacking depth during their championship run.

His contributions, even when not on the scoresheet, supported the team’s balance and pressing structure.

You might remember his impact in rivalry matches, like scoring the third goal in the Hell Is Real Derby against FC Cincinnati.

That strike sealed a 3–0 result and showed his knack for timing runs behind defenders.

By season’s end, he celebrated his first MLS Cup title with the Crew in 2023.

His growth from college standout to champion forward really highlights how adaptability and steady development can define a young player’s success in Major League Soccer.

Columbus Crew 2 and MLS NEXT Pro Achievements

Jacen Russell-Rowe built his foundation through consistent scoring, steady growth, and a smooth move from development play to top-tier competition.

His time with Columbus Crew 2 in MLS NEXT Pro shaped his path toward becoming a reliable forward for the first team.

Transition from Crew 2 to First Team

You can trace Russell-Rowe’s rise to his early success with Columbus Crew 2.

After one season at the University of Maryland, he joined the club’s reserve side in 2022.

His performance quickly earned attention.

He found space and finished chances in the league’s first year.

By mid-2022, he earned a call-up to the senior squad.

He made his debut and soon recorded two assists in a 2-1 win over Toronto FC, showing he could handle Major League Soccer’s pace.

His technical skill and awareness helped him earn multiple starts before the season ended.

Russell-Rowe’s transition from Crew 2 to the first team highlighted the club’s development model.

The organization invests in young players who can contribute right away, bridging the gap between MLS NEXT Pro and MLS competition.

Key Transition Stats (2022)

Category	Matches	Goals	Assists	Starts
Crew 2	19	21	3	18
Crew (First Team)	6	0	2	3

MLS NEXT Pro Golden Boot

Russell-Rowe’s scoring record in MLS NEXT Pro really set him apart.

He led the league with 21 goals in 19 matches, earning the MLS NEXT Pro Golden Boot and the league’s Most Valuable Player honor.

His consistency in front of goal reflected talent and discipline, plus sharp positioning.

His goals came in all sorts of ways—headers, close-range finishes, and precise strikes from distance.

He also earned Player of the Month honors in both May and June 2022, showing just how dominant his stretch of play was.

That kind of output made him one of the most productive forwards in the league’s first season.

His scoring touch translated into training with the first team, where coaches valued his confidence and composure inside the box.

Role in Crew 2’s Success

Russell-Rowe’s influence went beyond just goals.

As a central forward, he shaped how Crew 2 captured the MLS NEXT Pro Cup in 2022.

His leadership on the field helped younger teammates find rhythm and confidence during tough stretches.

His chemistry with fellow Crew 2 players, like Mohamed Farsi and Philip Quinton, created a strong attacking core.

That connection carried into the club’s playoff run, where Crew 2 became the first-ever MLS NEXT Pro champions.

His success also opened doors for other Crew 2 players to earn first-team contracts.

The system worked as intended—developing players ready to compete at the MLS level while delivering results in the reserve league.

Russell-Rowe’s role in that process remains one of the defining stories of the club’s player development pipeline.

Early Development and Youth Career

You can see the roots of Jacen Russell-Rowe’s success in his early training in Toronto and his time in college soccer.

His path really shows how structured youth programs and collegiate play can prepare a player for Major League Soccer.

Toronto FC Academy Experience

Russell-Rowe’s years in the Toronto FC Academy tell you a lot about his foundation.

The academy focuses on technical precision, tactical awareness, and mental discipline.

He joined the program as a teenager in Toronto, where coaches emphasized ball control and off-the-ball movement.

You can trace his sharp instincts as a forward back to these early drills and competitive matches.

The academy’s system exposed him to professional environments early.

Training sessions often mirrored first-team standards, so he learned spacing and decision-making at a higher level.

Skill Area	Focus at Toronto FC Academy	Impact on Career
Technical	Ball control, finishing	Improved accuracy in front of goal
Tactical	Positioning, pressing	Better reading of defensive lines
Mental	Game focus, resilience	Confidence under pressure

By the time he left the academy, you could already see the foundation of a future professional forward.

Collegiate Career at University of Maryland

When Russell-Rowe joined the University of Maryland, he stepped into a program with a real reputation for developing MLS-ready players. You can tell he adapted fast to the Maryland Terrapins and their up-tempo style.

He played in 26 matches and scored four goals during the 2020–21 season. He found the net in his NCAA debut, which honestly says a lot about his readiness for top-level competition.

The Terrapins really appreciated his movement and how he pressed defenders. He grabbed a spot on the Big Ten All-Freshman Team, a clear nod to his impact as a first-year player.

Season	Matches	Goals	Honors
2020–21	26	4	Big Ten All-Freshman Team

College soccer sharpened his timing and made him tougher physically. That experience paved the way for his jump to pro soccer.

Development Pathways in Canada

If you’ve followed Canadian soccer at all, you know youth systems matter a ton for getting local talent onto bigger stages. Russell-Rowe’s path through Toronto’s programs and the national youth teams really shows how much Canada’s development model has grown up.

He got a lot out of structured leagues that connect academies like Toronto FC’s with national scouts. Those setups give players steady competition and a taste of professional coaching.

Canada’s system now offers a pretty clear route from youth academies to MLS and the national team. Russell-Rowe’s journey from Toronto youth leagues to the Columbus Crew is a great example of what’s possible when talent meets opportunity.

That structure keeps shaping how young Canadians, maybe even ones you’ll see in future MLS matches, get ready for the pro game.

International Experience

You see a player who’s represented his country at every level, from youth tournaments to the senior team. His journey has been about steady growth, resilience, and a knack for showing up in big moments for the Canada national team.

Canada National Team Involvement

Jacen Russell-Rowe got his first senior call-up in 2023. That’s a huge leap from college standout at the University of Maryland to national team forward.

He made his debut during the 2023 CONCACAF Gold Cup, playing in the opener against Guadeloupe. Sure, he scored an own goal in that match, but he bounced back and kept playing in Canada’s group-stage games.

Here’s a quick look at his national team record:

Year	Competition	Appearances	Goals
2023	Gold Cup	4	0
2024	Copa América	3	0

By 2024, he had picked up seven caps with the Canadian national team. That shows the coaching staff trusts his development. His appearances in big tournaments make it clear he’s part of Canada’s next wave of forwards.

Youth International Competitions

Before his senior debut, Russell-Rowe made some noise in Canada’s youth system. He played for the Canada U17 team at the 2019 CONCACAF U-17 Championship and later at the FIFA U-17 World Cup.

In that tournament, he scored both of Canada’s goals and stood out as one of their most reliable finishers.

Those performances got him a nomination for Canadian Youth International Player of the Year in 2019. Early exposure to tough international competition gave him valuable experience against top defenders.

He first joined the national program in 2016 when he got called up to a Canada U15 training camp. That early start helped set up his later success with both Toronto FC Academy and Columbus Crew.

CONCACAF Nations League Participation

Russell-Rowe made the 2023 CONCACAF Nations League Finals roster, which shows how quickly he’s climbed the ranks. He landed on the preliminary roster in May and then made the final squad in June.

Even though he didn’t see much action in the knockout matches, just being on the bench showed that Canada’s coaches see his potential.

You can keep up with his progress through Canada’s competitive schedule on his Wikipedia profile. By 2024, he was still earning selections for continental tournaments like the 2024 Copa América, adding even more to his international résumé.

Contract and Transfer Details

You’re looking at a young forward whose career path feels like a mix of smart planning and good timing. His deal with the Columbus Crew and all the behind-the-scenes moves show how Major League Soccer teams juggle their roster spots and salary caps.

Signing with Columbus Crew

Jacen Russell-Rowe signed with Columbus Crew on June 29, 2022, after just one year at the University of Maryland. His contract runs through December 31, 2025, with a club option for one more year, according to Transfermarkt.

The Crew made it clear they see him as a long-term piece. They even extended his deal again on November 27, 2024, which really shows their faith in his progress.

He plays as a centre-forward, stands 1.83 meters tall, and represents both Canada and Jamaica internationally. For Columbus Crew, he wears number 19 in Major League Soccer.

Detail	Information
Club	Columbus Crew
Position	Centre-Forward
Joined	June 29, 2022
Contract End	December 31, 2025
Option	Club option, 1 year
Last Extension	November 27, 2024
Height	1.83 m
Citizenship	Canada, Jamaica

The contract gives the Crew plenty of flexibility. They get a player locked in through his prime, and if his value keeps climbing, the club holds all the cards.

General Allocation Money Transactions

Before Columbus signed him, Toronto FC actually owned Russell-Rowe’s Homegrown Player rights. To get those rights, Columbus Crew sent $50,000 in General Allocation Money (GAM) to Toronto, as you can see on Transfermarkt.

In Major League Soccer, GAM lets teams lower a player’s budget charge or trade for roster rights. Basically, it’s flexible spending power that helps clubs stay under the league’s salary cap.

Columbus got exclusive rights to negotiate with Russell-Rowe for what seems like a pretty modest investment. It’s a good example of how MLS teams use financial tools to secure local talent instead of chasing big transfer fees.

Russell-Rowe turned into a productive forward for the Crew. That move really backed up the front office’s decision to use allocation funds wisely, instead of splurging on a pricey signing from overseas.