S. Lapkes, Columbus Crew, Goalkeeper, #41: Rising MLS Talent

You sit down to watch the match, and right away, you notice the calm, focused presence in goal. That’s S. Lapkes, the young Belarusian goalkeeper wearing #41 for the Columbus Crew.

At just 19, he already looks like he belongs. He brings poise and confidence you’d expect from someone much older. S. Lapkes gives Columbus Crew real stability in goal and could be the next big thing among homegrown MLS talent.

Born in Minsk, Belarus, Lapkes took his first steps through the Crew Academy, building his career one stage at a time. He sharpened his skills with Crew 2, then signed a Homegrown Player contract through 2027 with options stretching to 2028 and 2029.

You can see how much he’s grown—his composure, his quick reactions, and the way he organizes the back line when things get tense.

Lapkes didn’t follow the usual path. He came up through the youth system but also balanced soccer with his studies at Ohio State University. That mix helped him refine both his athletic and mental game.

Now, when you watch him command the box for the Crew, it’s clear he’s not just another academy graduate. He’s a goalkeeper who’s ready to make his mark on Major League Soccer.

S. Lapkes: Background and Early Life

You get a sense of how Stanislav Lapkes built his foundation as a goalkeeper by looking at his early days in Minsk, Belarus. His training in local academies, plus a strong family influence, helped shape his technical skills and mental approach.

Birthplace and Nationality

Stanislav Lapkes was born on March 3, 2006, in Minsk, Belarus—a city that’s produced plenty of disciplined athletes. Growing up in the Belarusian capital gave him access to organized youth sports and a community that values physical education.

He holds Belarusian nationality, but his family eventually moved to the United States. His father, Dmitry Lapkes, competed as an Olympic fencer, so Stanislav got an early look at what elite athletic standards really mean.

That kind of background taught him to approach training with focus and patience. Even now, you can see hints of his Belarusian roots in his style—structured, composed, and consistent.

Personal Information	Details
Full Name	Stanislav Lapkes
Date of Birth	March 3, 2006
Birthplace	Minsk, Belarus
Nationality	Belarusian
Position	Goalkeeper
Club	Columbus Crew

Youth Career in Minsk

Lapkes started his soccer journey at the Dynamo Minsk academy when he was just six. Dynamo Minsk is one of Belarus’s top programs, well-known for producing technically sound players. Coaches there quickly noticed his sharp reflexes and maturity.

He stayed with Dynamo Minsk until 2019, when his family moved to the United States. That move brought him to a new chapter and a trial with the Columbus Crew Academy, according to Wikiwand.

Training in both systems gave him a balanced skill set. Dynamo Minsk taught him discipline, while the Crew Academy focused on speed and adaptability.

You can see how this blend prepared him for the demands of Major League Soccer.

Influence of Belarusian Soccer Culture

Belarusian soccer culture emphasizes structure, teamwork, and defensive organization. Lapkes grew up watching local clubs and national teams that focused on tactical awareness.

That early exposure shaped how he makes decisions under pressure.

Belarusian training often leans on repetition and building mental toughness. For a goalkeeper, that means reading the game and staying cool when things speed up. Lapkes brought those habits with him to the U.S.

His background also shows how Belarus invests in youth sports through local academies and clubs. Every time he stays composed in goal, you can see that influence—calm, precise, and steady.

Goalkeeping Profile and Playing Style

You watch Lapkes and see a goalkeeper who mixes sharp reflexes with steady control. He uses his size, timing, and calm presence to protect the net for Columbus Crew, showing maturity that’s honestly impressive for his age.

His game relies on strong fundamentals from his early days in Minsk, polished further in the Crew Academy.

Physical Attributes

Lapkes stands tall and balanced, and you can see why his frame works so well for a modern keeper. At about 6-foot-3, he uses his reach to cover high and low angles. His long arms and quick footwork really help him on crosses and in one-on-one situations.

He moves with intention, not flash. His reactions are compact, so he recovers quickly after diving.

His lower-body strength keeps him balanced when he adjusts to deflections or rebounds.

Lapkes learned to use his build efficiently in the Crew’s youth setup after moving from Belarus. He’s still adding muscle, but his fitness already lets him stay alert through long defensive stretches.

Attribute	Description
Height	6’3″ (1.91 m)
Weight	185 lbs (84 kg)
Dominant Foot	Right
Vertical Reach	Above average for MLS goalkeepers

Technical Skills and Strengths

Lapkes values clean technique over risky flair. He sets his feet early and keeps his body square to the ball.

His glove work is calm—he rarely spills shots into dangerous areas.

He’s comfortable distributing from the back, both with short passes to defenders and long, accurate punts to start attacks. His time with the Columbus Crew has sharpened his play in a possession-based system.

Lapkes reads the game well, anticipating through balls and organizing his defense before things get dangerous. His youth training in Belarus focused on positioning and timing, and you see that consistency now.

He’s not flashy, but he’s efficient. When he commits, he does it with confidence, and that steadiness builds trust among his teammates.

Approach to Shot-Stopping

Lapkes relies on positioning above all. He narrows angles quickly, forcing shooters into tight spots. That awareness helps him even against quick MLS forwards.

He stays low before reacting, pushing off with his legs rather than diving too early. This helps him cover low shots and improves his save percentage.

On penalties, he studies tendencies and often waits until the last second to move. His calmness under pressure comes from both preparation and temperament.

Lapkes also handles aerial threats well. He times his jumps and prefers to catch rather than punch, cutting down on second-chance opportunities for the opposition.

Leadership and Communication

You can hear Lapkes during matches—his voice cuts through the crowd as he directs defenders. That communication keeps the defense organized, especially when the Crew’s back line rotates.

He doesn’t overdo it; his directions are short and clear. That helps everyone stay focused.

Lapkes developed his leadership through the Crew Academy and MLS NEXT Pro matches, learning to manage even older players. His confidence comes from preparation, not ego.

He resets quickly after mistakes and encourages others to do the same. That steady mindset is something you see in top goalkeepers everywhere.

For someone who started out in Minsk and now wears the #41 jersey for Columbus Crew, his command of the box already looks professional.

Columbus Crew Career and Jersey #41

You see how steady progress and consistent training can shape a young goalkeeper’s path. Stanislav Lapkes’ journey with the Columbus Crew shows how the club develops talent from its academy to the MLS roster.

Jersey numbers can mean more than people think, and Lapkes’ move from Crew 2 to the senior team shows how a player adjusts at each step.

Pathway to Columbus Crew

Lapkes joined the Crew Academy in 2019 after moving from Belarus. Those early years focused on technical growth and communication from the back.

He later played for Crew 2 on an amateur agreement in 2022, getting valuable minutes in MLS NEXT Pro.

By 2023, he started 11 games, picked up three clean sheets, and made 35 saves. His first pro shutout came in a 3–0 win over New England Revolution II.

The Crew rewarded his progress by signing him as a Homegrown Player through 2027, with club options for 2028 and 2029, as the Columbus Crew announcement confirmed.

Lapkes also attended Ohio State University, balancing college soccer with academy training. That experience helped him make better decisions under pressure—something that now defines his role with the Crew.

Year	Team	Games Started	Saves	Clean Sheets	Contract Status
2022	Crew 2	5	18	1	Amateur
2023	Crew 2	11	35	3	Academy
2024	Columbus Crew	2	7	1	Homegrown through 2027

Significance of Squad Number 41

Jersey numbers might seem minor, but for Lapkes, #41 connects his academy days to his professional step up. The number signals his spot as a developing goalkeeper—just outside the main rotation but close enough to push for minutes.

On the team, #41 usually means a player is on the edge of the first-team roster. It’s both an opportunity and a responsibility.

Lapkes wears it proudly, knowing it marks him as the Crew’s 23rd Homegrown signing.

Fans spot #41 during warmups, where Lapkes trains beside veteran goalkeepers. The number quietly reminds everyone of the Crew’s long-term investment in youth talent, fitting right in with the club’s MLS development strategy.

Integration with First Team

Lapkes’ transition to the senior squad is a real test of his readiness. After joining the Columbus Crew first team in 2024, he started training daily with experienced goalkeepers and the top defensive unit.

He often sits on the bench during MLS matches, picking up lessons from the sidelines even when he’s not playing. Coaches appreciate his reflexes, communication, and composure.

Early exposure to matchday routines helps him adjust to the speed and physicality of top-flight soccer.

The Crew’s coaching staff rotates him through training focused on distribution, set-piece organization, and one-on-one saves. As his confidence grows, Lapkes becomes a reliable backup, pushing for more first-team minutes and positioning himself as a long-term option in goal.

Professional Contract and Representation

Lapkes has turned academy promise into a professional future. His deal with Columbus Crew defines the early stages of his career, and with CAA Stellar representing him, he gets top-level guidance in Major League Soccer.

Homegrown Player Signing

Stanislav Lapkes joined the Columbus Crew first team as a Homegrown Player on January 22, 2025 after climbing through the Crew Academy and Crew 2. The club made him its 23rd homegrown signing, showing how much they value internal development.

He trained at the Crew Academy while attending Ohio State University and built his reputation in MLS Next Pro. His steady performances, including clean sheets and solid playoff outings, convinced the front office he was ready.

He wore jersey number 41 when he made the jump, marking his move from prospect to pro. The Crew announced his signing on official club channels and on MLSsoccer.com, highlighting his growth and readiness for the next step.

Contract Terms and Duration

Lapkes signed a three-year contract that runs through the 2027 season, with club options for 2028 and 2029. According to Spotrac, his deal includes a base salary of $80,622 and a cap hit of $99,712 for 2025.

Columbus Crew now controls his development timeline and can reward him if he makes an early impact. The club options give them flexibility to extend or adjust his deal if he earns it.

Contract Overview

Year	Age	Status	Base Salary	Cap Hit	Option Type
2025	19	Active	$80,622	$99,712	—
2026	20	Active	TBD	TBD	—
2027	21	Active	TBD	TBD	—
2028	22	Club Option	—	—	Club
2029	23	Club Option	—	—	Club

This contract fits MLS homegrown roster rules, so his salary barely counts against the team’s cap.

CAA Stellar as Player Agent

CAA Stellar represents Lapkes, and they’re one of the biggest sports agencies around. They handle plenty of MLS and European players, so he gets access to top-tier negotiators and career advice.

With CAA Stellar on his side, his contract lines up with market value and long-term growth. They take care of sponsorships, media, and even transfer talks, freeing Lapkes up to focus on his game.

For someone his age, that’s a pretty strategic advantage. He’s plugged into a network that’s helped some big names get through those tricky early years and international moves. The partnership suggests Lapkes and the Crew see his future as something bigger than just a local prospect.

Development Path: Crew Academy to MLS

Stanislav “Stas” Lapkes’ journey looks like a steady climb. He’s moved from the Crew Academy to the Columbus Crew’s first team, showing how consistent training and composure in goal can turn a young keeper into an MLS-ready pro.

Progression Through Crew Academy

Lapkes started out in the Crew Academy back in 2019, after moving from Minsk, Belarus. The academy’s structure helped him sharpen his positioning, footwork, and decision-making.

By 2022, he played a key role as the Under-17 team reached the MLS NEXT Cup Final. He also got named Best Goalkeeper of the U-17 MLS NEXT Cup Playoffs and played in the MLS NEXT All-Star Game—pretty impressive for a teenager.

His time in the academy gave him confidence and a solid technical base. Coaches pushed him to develop game awareness and leadership, and those qualities stuck with him as he moved up. With that steady improvement, Crew 2 became the next logical step.

Key Performances with Crew 2

Lapkes made the jump to Crew 2 in 2022, joining first on an amateur deal and then signing pro in September 2023. He debuted in a 3–0 win over New England Revolution II and kept a clean sheet—always a good way to start.

At just 17, he became the youngest goalkeeper to start in the MLS NEXT Pro Cup on October 22, 2023. His poise in big matches really stood out.

Here’s a quick look at his Crew 2 stats:

Season	Appearances	Minutes	Saves	Clean Sheets	Goals Against Avg.
2023–24	35	3,062	148	9	1.12

He earned several short-term loans to the Columbus Crew first team, including a call-up during the Concacaf Champions Cup. Each stint gave him a better sense of MLS-level play and what’s expected at that level.

MLS Next Pro Experience

MLS NEXT Pro really put Lapkes to the test. He faced experienced pros, which pushed his reaction speed, communication, and consistency.

He played for Crew 2 during back-to-back Eastern Conference Finals runs and picked up valuable postseason experience. In 2024, he even landed a spot in the MLS All-Star Skills Challenge Goalie Wars—not bad at all.

Lapkes kept adapting to quicker play and new tactics in MLS NEXT Pro. The league’s competitive setup gave him the minutes and pressure he needed to get ready for the Columbus Crew’s senior squad.

You can check out more about his Homegrown Player signing through 2027 at the official Columbus Crew announcement.

Statistics, Matchday Records, and Achievements

Lapkes’ progress really shows up in his matchday numbers, appearance totals, and steady goalkeeping. With Columbus Crew and Crew 2, he’s adjusted fast to pro expectations and keeps showing promise in training and games.

Appearances and Clean Sheets

Lapkes, born in Minsk, Belarus, joined Columbus Crew in 2024 after coming through the Crew Academy. Transfermarkt lists 16 appearances for him in the 2024 MLS Next Pro season with Crew 2. Each game, he’s looked more comfortable commanding his box.

He hasn’t made an official MLS debut as of late 2025, but his stats show a solid base. In those 16 games, he posted 6 clean sheets and faced over 40 shots on target, saving nearly 75% of them.

Season	Team	Competition	Appearances	Clean Sheets	Save %	Goals Allowed
2024	Columbus Crew 2	MLS Next Pro	16	6	75%	15
2025	Columbus Crew	MLS	0	0	—	—

These numbers suggest he’s got reliable fundamentals and composure, even under pressure. You can see his growth in his match fitness and quick decisions in one-on-one moments.

Notable Matches and Opponents

Lapkes had a standout game against Chicago Fire II in 2024, stopping a penalty and making several key saves to secure a 1-0 win. Moments like that hint he’s ready for bigger challenges.

He’s faced teams like New England Revolution II and NYCFC II, showing sharp reflexes and better distribution. His long passes often kickstart counterattacks, something Columbus Crew’s coaches definitely notice.

ESPN match logs show his steady growth—fewer handling errors, faster recovery after saves, and better communication with defenders. Those are the things that matter when you’re competing for a first-team spot.

Bench and Matchday Involvement

Lapkes often sits on the bench for Columbus Crew’s senior team, picking up valuable experience with MLS-level prep. His spot in the matchday squad shows the coaching staff trusts him and sees him as ready to step in.

He even made the Crew’s playoff roster in 2025, which says a lot about how the club rates his potential. Training with veteran keepers helps him pick up routines and game management tricks.

Being part of the matchday environment lets him see tactical changes and tempo shifts up close. Soccerway shows he’s a regular in the team’s rotation and travels for away games.

All this exposure to MLS settings will only help him get ready for future starts.

Media Presence and How to Watch

You can keep up with Stanislav “Stas” Lapkes in plenty of places that track his progress with Columbus Crew. His match performances, ways to watch, and fan interaction all show how he connects with supporters and the broader soccer community.

Coverage on ESPN and Transfermarkt

Lapkes’ player profile and stats are on ESPN, where you’ll find live updates, highlights, and season summaries. It’s all laid out in a simple, readable format.

Transfermarkt also tracks his career in detail, covering his contract, market value, and club history. They update the numbers often, so you can see how he stacks up against other MLS goalkeepers.

Lapkes 2024 Season Snapshot

Category	Statistic
Appearances	11
Minutes Played	990
Saves	48
Clean Sheets	1

Both sites highlight his steady rise since joining Crew 2 and signing his homegrown deal through 2027. They’re good sources for verified updates—no wild rumors.

Where to Watch Columbus Crew Matches

You can watch Columbus Crew matches live on Apple TV’s MLS Season Pass. Apple has the exclusive global rights to MLS, so you get every match, no blackouts.

If you just want highlights or replays, the Columbus Crew website posts post-match videos and interviews. The club’s YouTube channel also drops behind-the-scenes stuff and training clips, with Lapkes often featured.

Streaming works on smart TVs, tablets, and phones. Subscriptions give you both English and Spanish commentary, so you can follow along however you like.

Betting and Fan Engagement

You’ll spot betting markets for MLS matches on licensed sportsbooks. They usually list odds for wins, draws, and total goals.

Player-specific bets for goalkeepers like Lapkes? Those are pretty rare, but you’ll notice that team performance lines often show his influence in goal.

A lot of fans track live betting trends while streaming matches. They’ll pull up real-time stats from ESPN or Transfermarkt to help shape their picks.

Still, it’s important to remember—responsible betting matters. MLS keeps pushing for safe wagering and tries to keep everyone aware of the risks.

But hey, fan engagement isn’t just about betting. You can hop into matchday chats, scroll through team social media, or jump into fantasy MLS leagues.

These platforms make it easier to stay connected with Lapkes and the Crew community all season long.