A. Sejdić, Columbus Crew, Midfielder, #14: Career & Impact

When you watch the Columbus Crew’s midfield, Amar Sejdić just keeps popping up. Number 14 brings this calm, almost effortless control and always seems to know where to send the ball next.
He connects defense to attack with confidence, giving the Crew some much-needed balance at crucial moments.

Sejdić’s journey—from his college days with the Maryland Terrapins to bouncing around Major League Soccer—has shaped his steady presence in Columbus. His story is all about skill, patience, and adaptability, those traits every strong midfield needs.

As the 2025 MLS season gets going, you start to see why Sejdić’s role matters so much to the Crew’s rhythm and success. His path is proof that consistent work and smart play can take you far in a league that asks for both.

A. Sejdić’s Role at Columbus Crew

You can spot Amar Sejdić as the stabilizer in the Crew midfield. His experience and awareness help him link defense with attack, giving the team that needed balance in 2025.

Position and Jersey Number

Sejdić wears jersey number 14 for the Crew, which usually goes to someone reliable in the center. He mostly plays as a central midfielder, but he can drop into a defensive midfield role if the match calls for it.

He was born in Berlin, Germany, and starred for the Maryland Terrapins before going pro. His stints with CF Montréal, Atlanta United, and Nashville SC gave him real MLS experience.

He signed with the Crew as a free agent for the 2025 season, with a club option for 2026, per the official team announcement. His arrival added depth to a roster chasing trophies in league and continental play.

Attribute	Detail
Position	Central / Defensive Midfielder
Jersey Number	14
Height	5’10”
Age (2025)	28
College	University of Maryland
MLS Experience	Since 2019

Key Responsibilities in the Midfield

Sejdić usually controls the possession tempo. He drops deep to pick up the ball from defenders and moves it forward to the attackers.
His passing accuracy and calm under pressure make him the go-to option when the Crew face a high press.

When defending, he protects the back line by reading play and cutting off passing lanes. He’s not flashy, but his reliability keeps the Crew’s shape solid.

During transitions, Sejdić helps out both on defense and when building attacks. His two-way play means other midfielders can push up, knowing he’ll cover behind.

Integration into Team Tactics

Sejdić fits right into Wilfried Nancy’s tactical setup. The Crew like quick ball movement and lots of positional switches, and Sejdić’s discipline keeps things balanced when others push forward.

He reads the game well, which smooths out those transitions between defense and attack. When the Crew build from the back, he’s always there as a passing option between the center backs, helping them beat the press.

In matches where the Crew dominate the ball, he acts as a pivot, circulating possession until a gap opens up. His feel for spacing works well with players like Darlington Nagbe and Aidan Morris, giving the Crew a steady rhythm in the middle.

As the 2025 season rolls on, Sejdić’s presence really shows how a veteran midfielder can strengthen a team’s tactics without needing the spotlight.

2025 MLS Season Performance

You’ve probably noticed Amar Sejdić settling into his Crew role in 2025, putting in steady minutes and linking play from back to front. His work rate, ball control, and tactical awareness help the team stay organized in possession and stay calm under pressure.

Appearances and Minutes

Sejdić has played regularly for the Crew in the 2025 MLS season. According to FootyStats, he’s appeared in 15 matches and logged consistent minutes as a central midfielder.
He hasn’t scored, but his presence keeps the tempo up and the ball moving.

He signed with Columbus as a free agent before the season, per MLSsoccer.com, and he’s wearing number 14 as a trusted piece in Wilfried Nancy’s rotation.

Category	Statistic
Matches Played	15
Goals	0
Assists	1
Minutes Played	900+
Yellow Cards	2
Red Cards	0

The coaching staff clearly trusts him to steady matches, especially when the Crew need to protect a lead or calm things down in tight spots.

Passing and Defensive Contributions

Sejdić’s game is all about short, accurate passing and positional awareness. He’s kept his pass completion rate above 85%, showing he can keep play moving even under pressure.
He’s comfortable picking up the ball from defenders and moving it forward with quick, simple touches.

Defensively, he reads the game well. He averages about 1.5 tackles and 1 interception per match, focusing more on cutting off lanes than diving into risky challenges. That fits the Crew’s approach, which values shape and compactness.

He avoids fouls in dangerous spots, showing the maturity he developed at the University of Maryland. His steady play lets the more attacking midfielders push higher up the field.

Influence on Team Results

The Crew have had a solid 2025 season, sitting mid-table in the Eastern Conference with 14 wins, 8 losses, and 12 draws (StatsCrew.com). Sejdić’s influence isn’t always flashy, but you see it in the team’s flow when he’s out there.

When he plays, the Crew tend to control the ball for longer stretches. His ability to recycle possession and relieve pressure helps the team keep up attacks and avoid turnovers.
You’ll also notice him talking with teammates, helping guide the younger guys through transitions.

He’s not the most exciting midfielder in MLS, but his reliability and understanding of the Crew’s tactics make him a key piece in 2025.

Playing Style and Strengths

Amar Sejdić stands out because of his technical skill, tactical smarts, and calm decision-making. His time with the Maryland Terrapins shaped him into a midfielder who values precision and steady influence on both sides of the ball.

Central Midfield Versatility

Sejdić really thrives as a central midfielder, linking defense and attack with sharp, accurate passing.
He finds pockets between lines, offers himself under pressure, and keeps the ball moving in tight areas.

His passing accuracy usually sits around 87–89%, which says a lot about his reliability in midfield.
He likes quick one-twos instead of risky long balls, letting teammates like Darlington Nagbe get forward.

Category	2025 Season
Pass Accuracy	88%
Key Passes	23
Tackles Won	41

He reads the game well and always seems to be in the right spot to support transitions. That steady presence helps Columbus control games and avoid sloppy turnovers.

Defensive Midfield Qualities

When he’s in a defensive midfield role, Sejdić relies on positioning and anticipation, not brute force.
He tracks runners, intercepts passes, and shields the back line with patience.

You won’t catch him diving in recklessly. He times his tackles and blocks passing lanes, slowing down attacks before they start. His calmness under pressure is a real asset for the Crew’s possession-based style.

You’ll spot his awareness when the team presses high. He covers behind fullbacks and closes gaps to prevent counters. His defensive work doesn’t make headlines, but it keeps the Crew’s structure tight and limits risk.

Leadership and On-Field Presence

Sejdić leads mostly through communication and consistency.
He organizes teammates, calls out pressing cues, and keeps things calm when matches get tense.

Wearing the number 14 for Columbus, he carries himself like a real pro. His experience with CF Montréal, Atlanta United, and Nashville SC gives him some weight in the locker room.

That kind of reliability is valuable. He’s not a big scorer, but his voice and steady play anchor the midfield, setting the tone for younger players to follow.

Professional Career Journey

Watching Amar Sejdić, you see a player who’s built his career on patience, skill, and smart positioning. His journey through college, early MLS seasons, and multiple clubs shows how consistency and adaptability can shape a midfielder’s path.

MLS SuperDraft and Early Professional Years

You might remember Sejdić from his college days at the University of Maryland, where he played from 2015 to 2018. He started every game he played and earned a reputation for leadership and technical skill.
His clutch penalty in the 2018 NCAA National Championship sealed Maryland’s title and got him named College Cup MVP.

In the 2019 MLS SuperDraft, CF Montréal (then Montreal Impact) picked Sejdić in the second round, 34th overall. That kicked off his pro career in Major League Soccer.

He adjusted quickly during his rookie year, making his MLS debut in 2019. He showed promise as a calm passer and a reliable midfield option.
Those early seasons laid the groundwork for what came next.

Year	Team	Competition	Appearances	Goals	Assists
2019	CF Montréal	MLS	10	1	0
2020	CF Montréal	MLS	12	1	0

CF Montréal and Ottawa Fury Experience

Sejdić’s time with CF Montréal was all about steady growth. From 2019 to 2021, he appeared in 22 regular-season matches and scored twice.
He focused on short passes and keeping his position, never trying to do too much.

He also spent some time on loan with Ottawa Fury, Montréal’s USL affiliate, getting valuable minutes and learning to make decisions under pressure. That helped him go from college standout to a pro who could manage the midfield tempo.

At Montréal, coaches emphasized tactics, and Sejdić learned how to keep possession and break lines.
His contributions were often subtle, but he helped steady the team when things got shaky.

By the end of his Montréal stint, Sejdić had proven himself as reliable depth with the potential for more.

Atlanta United and Nashville SC Tenures

When Atlanta United picked up Sejdić in July 2021, his career entered a new phase. He played in 56 regular-season matches from 2021 to 2023, starting 37.
His role grew as he became a regular in the rotation, chipping in three assists and bringing stability to the midfield.

Atlanta’s system demanded quick transitions and sharp passing, and Sejdić adapted well.
He connected defense to attack and handled pressure with composure.

After Atlanta, he joined Nashville SC for the 2024 season. He played in 17 matches there, providing veteran presence in a disciplined midfield.
His time in Nashville only reinforced his reputation as a steady, experienced MLS pro.

Transfer to Columbus Crew

In March 2025, the Columbus Crew signed Sejdić through MLS Free Agency for the 2025 season, with a club option for 2026. Columbus wanted to deepen its midfield with proven MLS experience.

Sejdić now wears number 14 and brings tactical flexibility and composure to a team fighting at the top of the Eastern Conference. He already knew the league well and understood possession-based systems, so he fit right in with the Crew’s style.

Columbus Crew’s official announcement quotes General Manager Issa Tall, who praised Sejdić’s technical skill and adaptability. At 28, Sejdić entered his seventh pro season, eager to contribute to a team chasing another championship.

You can check out his current profile and stats on Transfermarkt, where he’s listed as a central midfielder known for consistency and game management.

Youth Development and Early Life

Amar Sejdić’s early years really shaped his technical control and decision-making. His journey from Berlin to the United States gave him a blend of European precision and American competitiveness, which carried him through college at Maryland and into Major League Soccer.

Berlin Origins and Move to the United States

Sejdić was born in Berlin, Germany, in 1996, where soccer was just part of everyday life. Growing up with structured youth training sharpened his first touch and passing vision.

Those early sessions focused on reading the field, not just chasing the ball. When his family moved to the United States, he faced a new environment—culturally and athletically.

Adjusting to American soccer meant adapting to a faster, more physical style. You can see that blend in how he positions himself and stays calm under pressure.

Birthplace	Moved To	Approx. Age	Early Emphasis
Berlin, Germany	United States	7–10	Technical skills, spatial awareness

That big transition gave him a foundation that helped him stand out later in college and the pros.

Youth Clubs: United 1996 FC and Derby City Rovers

After settling in Louisville, Kentucky, Sejdić joined United 1996 FC, a youth club with a reputation for disciplined, skill-based training. You can tell how those sessions built his consistency in short passing and movement off the ball.

Coaches there focused on decision-making under pressure—something that still defines his game. He later played for the Derby City Rovers, a team in the Premier Development League (PDL).

Facing older, stronger opponents, he learned to think faster and protect possession.

Club	Location	Competition Level	Focus Area
United 1996 FC	Louisville, KY	Youth	Technical and tactical growth
Derby City Rovers	Louisville, KY	PDL	Physicality, tempo control

Those experiences definitely prepared him for the demands of college soccer with Maryland, where he became a reliable central midfielder.

Vitesse Youth Team and Real Salt Lake Academy

Before he turned pro, Sejdić spent some time training with the Vitesse Youth Team in the Netherlands. That Dutch football experience emphasized spacing, ball circulation, and positional awareness.

You can see his composure and rhythm on the ball trace back to those sessions in Arnhem. He also developed within the Real Salt Lake Academy, part of Major League Soccer’s youth system.

Competing in the Under-18 setup, he refined his defensive positioning and game tempo.

Program	Country	Key Development Focus
Vitesse Youth Team	Netherlands	Tactical movement, passing precision
Real Salt Lake Academy	United States	Defensive shape, transition play

These environments shaped Sejdić into a composed, adaptable midfielder who’s ready for higher levels of competition. For more details on his career path, check out the A. Sejdić Columbus Crew profile.

Collegiate Soccer Achievements

You can see how Amar Sejdić built his foundation well before joining the Columbus Crew. His years at the University of Maryland shaped his control, vision, and leadership on the field, all of which prepared him for pro soccer.

Maryland Terrapins Career

At the University of Maryland, Sejdić evolved into one of the most reliable midfielders in college soccer. He played four seasons for the Maryland Terrapins, appearing in more than 80 matches and serving as team captain during his senior year.

He showed consistency in possession and accuracy in distribution. Coaches praised how he linked defense and attack—a skill that later defined his pro career.

Season	Matches Played	Goals	Assists	Role
2015	22	3	2	Freshman Starter
2016	21	4	3	Midfield Regular
2017	20	3	4	Leadership Role
2018	22	6	3	Team Captain

Each year, his influence grew. By his senior season, you could see him directing play with calm authority, helping Maryland maintain its identity as one of college soccer’s most disciplined programs.

Big Ten Best XI Honors

Sejdić earned Big Ten Best XI honors, which really reflected his steady performances against top competition. This recognition goes to players who show consistent quality all season, and Sejdić definitely met that standard with effort and precision.

His passing accuracy and composure under pressure stood out. Coaches and analysts credited him with controlling tempo and dictating play from deep midfield positions.

He contributed in key attacking moments, too. His ability to step into space and deliver clean passes made him central to Maryland’s possession-based system.

Recognition from the Big Ten highlighted his value not just as a technical player but also as a leader who improved those around him.

College Cup and Notable Moments

You probably remember the 2018 College Cup—that’s when Sejdić really left his mark. He fired in the winning goal during the national championship match, and Maryland walked away with its fourth NCAA title.

That moment? It was years in the making, and you could see every bit of his preparation and nerve on display.

During the tournament, he showed off his tactical smarts and discipline. Sejdić’s positioning shut down opponents and let Maryland take charge in the midfield.

He picked up the College Cup Most Outstanding Offensive Player award for that run. For a guy who usually put the team first, that recognition probably felt a bit surreal.

His stretch with the Terrapins proved that skill, patience, and leadership really do shape a midfielder’s college career.