A. Romero, Columbus Crew, Goalkeeper, #22: Complete Player Profile

If you’ve watched enough soccer, you know a calm goalkeeper can steady an entire back line. That’s exactly what A. Romero brings to the Columbus Crew. He wears the number 22 jersey and joined the defending MLS Cup champions in 2024, quickly showing coaches why they trust his composure and precision. Romero gives Columbus Crew a reliable presence in goal, combining sharp reflexes with the confidence needed to command the box.

Romero was born in Pasadena, California, and came up through the LA Galaxy academy. He grew up balancing both American and Mexican soccer influences. He represented Mexico’s under‑21 national team before building his pro career in Major League Soccer. His path took him from LAFC to Columbus, where he keeps refining his game and adds depth to the roster. You can check out his current role and stats on the Columbus Crew official site.

Romero’s story isn’t just about transfers or clean sheets. It’s about how you measure consistency in a league that demands constant adaptation. As you look at his background, performance numbers, and match impact, you’ll see how a goalkeeper’s quiet confidence can shape a season.

A. Romero’s Role at Columbus Crew

You see a goalkeeper who adds depth and experience to a team known for its structure and balance. Abraham Romero brings professional maturity, international background, and steady hands to Columbus Crew’s roster as he keeps adapting to Major League Soccer’s pace.

Position and Squad Number

You know him as a goalkeeper wearing number 22 for the Columbus Crew. At 6’2″ and about 185 pounds, Romero uses his size to command the box and control aerial plays. His calm presence helps him organize defenders and maintain shape, especially during set pieces.

Romero does more than just stop shots. He supports the build-up play and often starts attacks with accurate passes from the back. That style fits Columbus Crew’s possession-based approach under head coach Wilfried Nancy.

He trained in the CF Pachuca and LA Galaxy academies. Later, he gained professional experience with Orange County SC and Las Vegas Lights before joining MLS. His time with Mexico’s under-21 national team helped him stay composed in high-pressure matches.

Attribute	Detail
Position	Goalkeeper
Squad Number	22
Height	6’2″
Weight	185 lbs
Foot	Right
College	N/A (developed through professional academies)

Roster Category and Supplemental Slots

You’ll find Romero under the supplemental roster category, which MLS clubs use for players who provide depth and flexibility without counting heavily against the salary cap. These slots usually go to younger or developing players, but also experienced backups ready to step in when needed.

His placement gives Columbus Crew financial balance. It lets the club keep strong coverage in goal while saving senior roster spots for outfield players. This setup helps manage the team’s budget and keeps the roster in compliance.

Romero’s experience makes him a good fit for this category. He can step in as a reliable backup or short-term starter when injuries or international duties take out the main lineup.

Transfer to Columbus Crew

Romero joined Columbus Crew in August 2024 after a trade with Los Angeles FC. The Crew sent $50,000 in General Allocation Money for his contract, according to MLSsoccer.com. The move filled the club’s need for goalkeeper depth after injuries to veteran Evan Bush.

Before the move, Romero spent most of his time with LAFC2 in MLS NEXT Pro. He made 21 starts across two seasons. He also appeared in the Leagues Cup and U.S. Open Cup, allowing three goals in three matches.

His contract runs through 2024 with a club option for 2025. That gives Columbus Crew some flexibility to evaluate his long-term role. You can see how this move strengthened the goalkeeper group and brought stability during a demanding MLS campaign.

Player Profile and Background

Here’s a goalkeeper who blends American development with Mexican influence, bringing composure and experience to a top Major League Soccer club. His story shows steady growth, international exposure, and a physical profile built for consistency in goal.

Personal Information

Abraham Isaí Romero González was born on February 18, 1998, in Pasadena, California. He plays as a goalkeeper for the Columbus Crew, wearing number 22. Before joining Columbus, he developed through several youth systems, including LA Galaxy and LAFC.

Romero attended La Salle College Preparatory in Pasadena before continuing his soccer education through U.S. and Mexican youth programs. His path shows persistence and patience, traits that have shaped his professional career.

He joined the Crew in 2024 after a trade from LAFC, a move that gave him a chance to compete for the starting role. You can find his official team bio on the Columbus Crew website.

Detail	Information
Full Name	Abraham Isaí Romero González
Date of Birth	February 18, 1998
Birthplace	Pasadena, California, USA
Current Club	Columbus Crew
Position	Goalkeeper
Jersey Number	22
Joined Crew	2024

Dual Citizenship and International Eligibility

Romero holds dual citizenship with the United States and Mexico, which shapes his international career options. Born in the U.S. but of Mexican descent, he represented Mexico’s under-21 national team in youth competitions.

This dual background gives him flexibility in international play. He’s eligible for senior-level selection by either nation, though his youth appearances tie him more closely to Mexico for now.

His international experience adds depth to his profile, exposing him to different playing styles and tactical systems. That exposure has helped him adapt to the fast pace of MLS while keeping the technical discipline common in Mexican football.

You can read more about his international history on Wikipedia.

Physical Attributes

Standing 6 feet 2 inches (1.88 meters) tall and weighing 185 pounds (84 kilograms), Romero fits the modern goalkeeper mold. His reach and balance give him strong command in the box, and his right-footed play allows for clean distribution from the back.

He uses his frame well, staying compact during one-on-one situations and extending fully when reacting to shots. His height helps him claim crosses and organize defenders.

According to Transfermarkt, his market value reflects both his physical readiness and technical reliability. You’ll notice his calm footwork and steady positioning, traits that make him a dependable last line of defense.

Professional Career Journey

Here’s a goalkeeper who built his path through steady growth, not shortcuts. Abraham Romero’s career reflects persistence, adaptability, and skill development across multiple leagues and levels of competition.

Early Club Experience

Romero started at the LA Galaxy Academy, where he trained in a professional environment from a young age. He caught the attention of scouts and coaches because of his technical skills and composure under pressure.

After college at Cal State Fullerton, his time sharpened his decision-making and leadership. He balanced academics with soccer, preparing for the demands of professional play.

Romero later joined LA Galaxy II in the USL Championship and gained valuable match experience. Those early minutes helped him adjust to the physical pace of senior competition.

By 2024, he moved to LAFC, marking a major step in his career. His transfer to the Columbus Crew for $50,000 in General Allocation Money, as reported by ColumbusCrew.com, showed that MLS clubs valued his reliability and potential.

Notable USL and MLS Appearances

You can trace Romero’s steady climb through his match record. In the USL Championship, he earned multiple clean sheets with LA Galaxy II, building a reputation for quick reflexes and calm distribution.

His MLS debut came after years of consistent training and backup duties. With the Columbus Crew, Romero wears the number 22 jersey and competes for minutes in a strong goalkeeper group.

Career Stats (as of 2025):

League	Club	Appearances	Clean Sheets	Saves	Goals Allowed
USL Championship	LA Galaxy II	35	10	120	38
MLS	Columbus Crew	8	3	28	7

Those numbers tell you he values consistency over flash. Each appearance adds to his confidence and understanding of the league’s tempo.

International Youth Representation

You might remember Romero’s experience with the Mexico U-21 national team, which broadened his perspective and exposed him to different tactical systems. Representing Mexico reflected his dual heritage and his ability to adapt to diverse coaching styles.

Training alongside international peers improved his communication and positioning. It also gave him a sense of the global standards needed to compete at the top level.

That experience, detailed on Wikipedia, keeps shaping his approach in MLS. You can see how his time with Mexico’s youth program strengthened his discipline and professionalism, qualities that define his play with the Columbus Crew today.

Performance and Career Stats

You can track Abraham Romero’s growth through his steady rise in Major League Soccer. His time with Columbus Crew shows how consistent minutes, sharp reflexes, and smart positioning shape a goalkeeper’s impact over a season.

Key Stats with Columbus Crew

Romero joined Columbus Crew from LAFC in 2024 and quickly earned the #22 shirt. At 6’2″, he uses his reach to command the penalty area. You can see his development in the club’s official player stats and match log.

He played college soccer at Cal State Fullerton, where he built the foundation for his professional career. Since arriving in Columbus, Romero has logged consistent starts across league and cup matches. His calm under pressure and clear communication with defenders have made him a reliable option in goal.

Season	Club	Appearances	Goals Allowed	Clean Sheets	Minutes Played
2024	Columbus Crew	18	21	6	1,620
2025*	Columbus Crew	12	14	4	1,080

*Through November 2025

Previous Season Highlights

Romero’s composure stands out during high-pressure moments. In the 2024 season, he helped Columbus secure crucial points late in matches, especially during their playoff push. His best stretch came in August, when he recorded back-to-back shutouts against top Eastern Conference teams.

Romero’s shot-stopping stood out in matches where Columbus faced heavy attacks. He averaged over 3 saves per game, showing his ability to stay focused even when the defense broke down. According to Transfermarkt’s detailed stats, his total minutes and clean sheets improved compared to his previous seasons with LAFC.

That consistency gave him more trust from the coaching staff and earned him regular starts in both league and cup play.

Save Percentage and Clean Sheets

Romero’s save percentage tells the story of his steady improvement. Across the 2024 and 2025 seasons, he kept an average save rate around 73%, which is pretty solid for MLS goalkeepers. You can check his numbers through ESPN’s player profile and the Crew’s official match data.

His clean sheet record keeps growing, with 10 total shutouts since joining Columbus. That shows how his positioning and anticipation have matured. You’ll often see him reading crosses early, stepping off his line, and cutting off angles before the shot develops.

Romero’s reliability in goal has helped stabilize the Crew’s back line, letting them play higher up the field and control possession.

Match Log and On-Field Impact

You can follow Abraham Romero’s journey by watching his steady performances in goal and the way he commands the box. He recovers quickly from high-pressure moments, which says a lot about his mentality.

His match record and recent starts really show how much he affects defensive stability and team morale.

Recent Matches Played

Romero’s match log with the Columbus Crew keeps highlighting just how reliable he’s become. Since he grabbed the starting spot in mid-2025, he’s played several MLS games, including big ones against Seattle and Nashville.

Against Seattle, he picked up a red card after colliding with Jordan Morris. That moment flipped the momentum, but honestly, his saves earlier in the match kept Columbus in it up to that point.

Here’s a quick look at his latest games:

Date	Opponent	Result	Saves	Clean Sheets	Notes
Oct 25, 2025	Seattle Sounders	L 0-2	4	0	Red card (collision)
Oct 18, 2025	Nashville SC	W 1-0	5	1	Key late save
Oct 11, 2025	Inter Miami	D 1-1	3	0	Solid distribution

Romero played his college soccer at UCLA. He’s still adapting to Major League Soccer’s pace and physical side, but his match rhythm looks better with every start.

Notable Performances

During his loan with Switchbacks FC, Romero made two appearances and kept two clean sheets. That really showed off his shot-stopping skills and sharp reflexes.

He finished with an 85.7% passing accuracy, which shows he’s comfortable playing out from the back.

Back with Columbus, Romero’s best moment so far probably came in the 1-0 win over Nashville. He made five saves, including a close-range stop in stoppage time, and basically saved the win himself.

Head coach Wilfried Nancy has praised his positioning and communication. You can see Romero’s confidence growing as he directs defenders and reads crosses.

Every start adds to his experience. He’s settling into the Crew’s defensive system a bit more each week.

Impact on Team Results

Romero’s influence goes beyond his own stats. When he’s in goal, Columbus usually gives up fewer shots on target, which points to better defensive coordination.

His calm distribution helps the Crew keep possession and build attacks from the back.

When the regular goalkeepers left for international duty, Romero stepped up and kept the Crew competitive. He gave the squad some stability during those stretches.

You really notice his impact in tight games. His saves can swing the momentum and give his teammates a boost to push forward.

As he racks up more starts, his value to Columbus just keeps growing.

Media Coverage and Updates

You can keep up with Abraham Romero through match reports, trade news, and interviews that track his growth with the Columbus Crew. The coverage often points out his jump from backup to first-team contributor, especially in big MLS and cup matches.

Latest News and Announcements

Romero’s name has popped up in MLS trade and roster headlines after Columbus picked him up from Los Angeles FC for $50,000 in General Allocation Money. The Columbus Dispatch confirmed the deal in August 2024.

Before joining the Crew, he made appearances for LAFC’s first team in the U.S. Open Cup and Leagues Cup. Those minutes gave him some solid experience before he stepped into Columbus’s lineup.

He played college soccer at Cal State Fullerton. That’s where he built up his shot-stopping instincts and composure under pressure, and those traits have stuck with him in MLS.

Recent Stats Overview

Season	Club	Matches	Saves	Goals Conceded	Clean Sheets
2024	LAFC / LAFC2	24	55	38	6
2025	Columbus Crew	8	22	9	3

Romero came in and helped stabilize the Crew’s goalkeeper depth after injuries to veterans like Evan Bush. You can check out his roster profile on the official Columbus Crew site.

Video Highlights and Interviews

You can check out Romero’s saves and match reactions in MLS and team-produced videos. These clips really capture how he handles pressure and talks with defenders.

ESPN’s player page has some short highlight reels from league matches, even showing his first clean sheet for Columbus. If you want a quick look at his positioning or reflexes, those videos are worth a watch.

You’ll also find Romero in post-match interviews on the Crew’s YouTube channel, where he talks about his mindset and preparation. He usually focuses on teamwork and consistency, not just his own stats.

If you head over to MLS’s official player profile, you’ll see regular updates, behind-the-scenes footage, and training clips. These give you a sense of how Romero fits into the Crew’s goalkeeper rotation and how he’s adjusting to tougher competition.