S. Zawadzki, Columbus Crew Midfielder #25: Career, Stats & Impact

You watch the Columbus Crew take the field, and one name just keeps catching your eye — Sean Zawadzki. He wears number 25 and brings a steady presence that anchors the midfield, sliding into defense whenever the team needs a bit more grit.

He’s the kind of player who mixes reliability, skill, and leadership, quietly shaping the Crew’s rhythm on both sides of the ball.

Zawadzki’s road to this point started at Georgetown University, where he captained the Hoyas and helped them win a national title. That experience gave him a real sense of structure and composure—traits you now see in his Major League Soccer play.

He signed as a homegrown player and worked his way up, showing how development and opportunity can actually align for the right player.

If you dig into his journey, you’ll spot the steady progress. His time with Columbus Crew 2, the call-ups to the U.S. Men’s National Team, and his long-term contract all tell the story of a career built on growth.

Every step adds a new layer to his impact on a club that values consistency just as much as flair.

Player Profile and Position

You’re looking at a player who blends local Ohio roots with a surprisingly mature approach. He’s climbed from youth soccer to Major League Soccer, and you can really see how steady work and tactical smarts turn potential into reliability.

Background and Early Life

Sean Zawadzki grew up in Olmsted Falls, Ohio, where he built a strong base in technical skill and discipline. If you trace his steps through the Columbus Crew Academy, you’ll notice his leadership and calm under pressure set him apart.

He played college soccer at Georgetown University, starting nearly every match from 2018 to 2021. Those years taught him about space, tempo, and how to keep a team organized.

As captain, he led Georgetown to the 2019 NCAA national championship and earned props for his defensive awareness and steady passing. College definitely shaped him for the tactical demands of the pro game.

Playing Style and Strengths

You’ll notice Zawadzki’s value most when matches get tight. He reads the game early, intercepts passes, and always seems to be in the right spot to shield the back line.

Coaches trust him because he doesn’t lose focus or waste possession.

He usually plays as a central midfielder, but he can drop into defense if the Crew need cover. His touch is clean, his short passing is sharp, and his movement is efficient.

He’s not chasing highlight reels—he connects the lines, keeps things moving, and rarely overcomplicates.

His work rate really stands out. He covers ground with purpose and keeps shape, even when games start to open up.

Switching from defense to quick distribution? He does that well and helps the Crew stay balanced.

Skill Area	Description
Passing	Accurate, short-range, and consistent
Positioning	Anticipates play, closes gaps quickly
Versatility	Moves between midfield and defense
Stamina	Sustains energy through full matches

Squad Number and Significance

Zawadzki wears #25 for the Columbus Crew, and that number’s starting to mean something to fans. People now link it with a player who really represents the club’s homegrown vision.

He picked up #25 after signing as a pro in 2022, and it’s stuck as part of his identity in the squad.

The number doesn’t scream flash—it speaks to his steady presence. When you spot #25 in the midfield, you know the Crew have someone who values structure, effort, and reliability.

Check out his current stats and role on his official Columbus Crew profile.

Columbus Crew Career

You can see how Sean Zawadzki’s time with the Columbus Crew is all about steady growth and adaptability. His career proves that a homegrown player from Georgetown University can become a trusted piece in both midfield and defense for a championship team.

MLS Debut and First Goal

Zawadzki made his MLS debut on June 25, 2022, starting and playing the full match in a 0–0 draw with Real Salt Lake. Just four days later, he scored his first MLS goal—a left-footed strike from distance—in a 2–1 win over Toronto FC.

That goal showed off his calm under pressure and technical skill from deep. As a rookie, he played in five league matches, starting four.

Those early games earned him trust from head coach Wilfried Nancy, who liked his discipline and positioning.

Zawadzki also played for Crew 2, making 21 appearances and helping them win the first MLS NEXT Pro Cup. That first year set him up for bigger things with the senior team.

Season	Club	Appearances	Goals	Assists
2022	Columbus Crew	5	1	0
2022	Crew 2 (MLS NEXT Pro)	21	1	2

2023 MLS Cup and Playoff Contributions

In 2023, Zawadzki’s role grew as the Crew made their run to the 2023 MLS Cup title. He played in 30 regular-season matches, splitting time between midfield and defense.

He scored three goals that year, including a 98th-minute equalizer against the New England Revolution and a stoppage-time goal versus NYCFC. His late-game composure often swung momentum back to the Crew.

During the MLS Playoffs, Zawadzki played in all six matches. He supported goalkeeper Patrick Schulte and kept the back line steady.

Under Nancy, his tactical awareness helped the Crew control possession and move the ball efficiently.

Competition	Matches Played	Goals	Key Defensive Actions
MLS Regular Season	30	3	45 tackles
MLS Playoffs	6	0	18 clearances

Notable Matches and Performances

Several matches really show Zawadzki’s consistency. His equalizer against New England in April 2023 saved a crucial point.

Against NYCFC in July, he found the net again in stoppage time.

After coming back from a short knee injury in 2025, he helped limit Orlando City SC to one goal in a 1–1 draw. In the U.S. Open Cup, he brought the same steady approach, filling gaps between midfield and defense.

His performances keep reinforcing his image as a dependable player who handles pressure well. He controls passing and gives teammates freedom to press higher, all while keeping the back organized.

Versatility and Key Moments

Few players in MLS switch roles as smoothly as Zawadzki. He’s played as a defensive midfielder, center back, and even filled in on the right side when the team needed it.

Nancy’s system needs players who can adjust on the fly. Zawadzki fits perfectly.

He reads the game, anticipates transitions, and recovers possession quickly.

When the Crew lifted the 2023 MLS Cup, his ability to fill gaps and adjust was a big reason they stayed balanced through injuries and lineup changes.

His later call-up to the U.S. Men’s National Team just confirmed that his club performances got national attention.

You can catch more about his impact and contract extension from the Columbus Crew’s official announcement.

Columbus Crew 2 and MLS Next Pro Experience

Sean Zawadzki’s time with Columbus Crew 2 really shaped his path from college standout at Georgetown to a reliable pro. Those early matches, the championship run, and his leadership with the Capybaras set him up for the senior team.

Professional Debut and Early Impact

Zawadzki’s professional growth started when he joined Columbus Crew 2 in early 2022. He signed as a homegrown player from the Crew Academy and made his debut in the first MLS Next Pro season.

He played in 21 matches, started 19, and scored one goal. That consistency got him a call-up to the first team, where he scored his first MLS goal against Toronto FC in June 2022.

Season	Team	Matches	Starts	Goals	Competition
2022	Columbus Crew 2	21	19	1	MLS Next Pro
2022	Columbus Crew	1	1	1	MLS

His move from Georgetown to the pro game showed real maturity and tactical smarts. Watching him with Crew 2, you could see his positioning and decisions get sharper with every match.

Read more about his early pro experience on the Columbus Crew website.

MLS Next Pro Cup Victory

In 2022, Zawadzki helped the Capybaras win the MLS Next Pro Cup, a huge milestone for the club’s first season. He anchored the midfield, kept the tempo, and supported both ends of the field.

His composure under pressure stood out. When Crew 2 needed someone steady, he stepped up.

That championship run gave him valuable playoff experience and tested his endurance over a long season.

The title win gave the Crew organization more faith in their development system. It also put Zawadzki on the map as one of the first academy grads to really contribute to both Crew 2 and the main roster.

You can check out more about the team’s success on MLSsoccer.com.

Role with the Capybaras

Zawadzki’s role with the Capybaras—that’s Crew 2’s nickname—went beyond the stats. He connected the academy with the pro level.

His leadership and communication helped younger players get used to the speed and structure of MLS Next Pro.

He mostly played as a defensive midfielder but filled in on the back line when needed. That flexibility made him a key part of the club’s system.

In the U.S. Open Cup, he scored against Loudoun United, proving he could handle knockout games too.

His time with Crew 2 showed that steady development, not flash, is what leads to lasting success in pro soccer.

Find more about Crew 2’s structure and mission on the Columbus Crew 2 page.

Collegiate Career at Georgetown University

At Georgetown University, you could see how Sean Zawadzki’s steady leadership, defensive awareness, and consistency shaped both his own growth and the Hoyas’ success.

His years in Washington, D.C. made him into a disciplined midfielder who thrived when the pressure was on and guided his team through championship runs.

Leadership and Captaincy

You could spot Zawadzki’s leadership pretty early on with the Hoyas. He wore the captain’s armband for two seasons, so his teammates clearly trusted his voice and steady presence. His style? Just get people organized, talk things out, and make sure everyone sticks to the plan.

Zawadzki started 70 out of 78 matches, which says a lot about his reliability and stamina. With him at the back, Georgetown usually had one of the Big East’s best defensive records. His teammates would often mention how he set the tone, both in training and on game days.

Season	Games Played	Starts	Goals	Assists	Role
2018–2021	78	70	4	7	Captain (2020–2021)

But leadership isn’t just about stats. As captain, you’re balancing what the team expects with what actually happens on the field. Zawadzki built his influence on accountability—he held himself to high standards and wanted the same from everyone else.

NCAA College Cup Triumph

Back in 2019, you helped Georgetown grab its first NCAA College Cup title. That year, Zawadzki locked down the midfield, breaking up attacks and starting transitions with no-nonsense passes.

The Hoyas beat some top programs during that run, and every match tested their defense. Zawadzki’s smart positioning and constant chatter kept opponents quiet, letting Georgetown dictate the pace.

That final? Hard to forget. Every second felt huge. Zawadzki stayed calm under pressure, like he knew exactly what was at stake. The championship just proved how much preparation pays off and how a steady midfielder can really shape a team.

Big East Tournament Success

Zawadzki kept up that same consistency in Big East Tournament play, and Georgetown collected more titles while he was there. You could see how he thrived in knockout games, reading each match and adjusting to whatever the other team tried.

He picked up First Team All-Big East honors and took home the 2021 Big East Defensive Player of the Year award—well deserved if you ask me. His knack for controlling the tempo and reading plays gave Georgetown the edge.

In those tournaments, Zawadzki’s leadership and execution really came together. He didn’t chase flashy moments. Instead, he focused on clean tackles, sharp passing, and constant communication—stuff that made Georgetown’s Big East dominance possible.

You can check out more about his college career on the Columbus Crew website and through Georgetown University’s announcement.

International Experience

Zawadzki’s steady rise from Georgetown to the Columbus Crew has led to regular looks with the U.S. Men’s National Team. His international experience shows he’s grown into a midfielder coaches trust in big moments, whether in training or on the field against tough opponents.

U.S. Men’s National Team Call-Ups

Zawadzki got several U.S. Men’s National Team (USMNT) call-ups under head coach Mauricio Pochettino, thanks to his steady play in MLS. He joined national camps in January, June, September, and November, staying in the mix from 2023 through 2025.

In November 2025, he was one of three Crew players picked, along with Patrick Schulte and Max Arfsten, for friendlies announced by U.S. Soccer. He’d just come back from a knee injury that kept him out earlier in the year, as reported by the Columbus Dispatch.

USMNT Call-Up Summary

Year	Camp	Head Coach	Notable Teammates	Notes
2023	January	Gregg Berhalter	Aidan Morris, Patrick Schulte	First senior camp
2023	June	Gregg Berhalter	Max Arfsten, Patrick Schulte	Earned matchday roster spot
2025	September	Mauricio Pochettino	Patrick Schulte	Missed match due to injury
2025	November	Mauricio Pochettino	Max Arfsten, Patrick Schulte	Returned to full fitness

International Friendlies and Notable Matches

Zawadzki’s progress stands out when you look at the matches he joined during international windows. He made the roster for friendlies against Paraguay and other South American squads, according to the Columbus Crew’s official site.

He didn’t get a ton of minutes, but his spot in those squads showed the coaches trusted his tactical discipline and flexibility. His defensive awareness and quick passing made him a steady midfield option off the bench.

Training with senior internationals gave him real experience—timing, decision-making, handling faster and more physical play. That environment just sharpened his game sense and composure even more.

Youth National Team Involvement

Before his senior call-ups, Zawadzki played for the United States at youth levels and captained several squads in development tournaments. The leadership he showed at Georgetown, guiding the Hoyas to the 2019 NCAA College Cup, mirrored what he did in youth national team camps.

His early U.S. Soccer involvement prepared him for the senior level. Those experiences taught him to adapt to different coaches and keep his play consistent across all kinds of competitions.

By the time he joined the Crew’s first team, Zawadzki had already built a solid foundation of international experience. That foundation showed up in his calm play, smart positioning, and ability to follow instructions to the letter.

Contract and Future Prospects

Zawadzki’s journey with the Columbus Crew says a lot about steady growth, loyalty, and the value of long-term investment. He’s gone from the academy to a key midfield role, proving the club really believes in developing its own.

Homegrown Player Status

You can see the value of a Homegrown Player in how Zawadzki’s path has played out. Born in Olmsted Falls, Ohio, he joined the Crew Academy in 2015 and ended up captaining its youth teams. That local connection really shaped him as a player and as a part of the club’s culture.

After four years at Georgetown, where he made 74 appearances and helped win the 2019 NCAA College Cup, Zawadzki came back to Columbus as a pro. His debut in 2022 capped off nearly a decade in the Crew’s system.

This kind of continuity matters. Homegrown signings give MLS teams more flexibility with the salary cap and reward local growth. For Zawadzki, it’s also a chance to play close to home, with family and longtime fans watching. His leadership and adaptability have made him a dependable part of the Crew rotation.

Key Early Career Stats

Season	Team	Appearances	Goals	Assists
2022	Columbus Crew	5	1	0
2023	Columbus Crew	30	3	0
2022	Crew 2 (MLS NEXT Pro)	21	1	2

Multi-Year Contract Extension

When the Columbus Crew signed Zawadzki to a multi-year extension through 2027, they made it clear he’s a big part of their future. The club announced the deal in February 2024, right after he broke out in 2023 and helped win MLS Cup.

The Crew called the extension a nod to his adaptability and professionalism. You can see the announcement on the Columbus Crew official site.

Zawadzki’s ability to move between midfield and defense gives the Crew a lot of tactical options. His work rate and calm under pressure have earned the trust of coach Wilfried Nancy and the front office. Locking him in also fits the team’s plan to keep core players from hitting free agency.

For fans, this deal means stability. For Zawadzki, it’s security and a clear path to keep growing in a competitive league.

Aspirations and Ongoing Development

You can really see Zawadzki’s ambition in how he tackles each season. After he earned his first senior cap for the U.S. Men’s National Team in 2024, he started aiming for more regular international appearances.

That debut gave him a sense of validation. He realized he could hold his own outside of MLS.

During training and matches, he puts a lot of energy into sharpening his decision-making. He’s always working on his defensive positioning too.

Coaches often point out his professionalism. They like how he reads the game.

His versatility stands out when the Crew change up their formations or deal with injuries. He’s comfortable adapting to whatever the team needs.

Zawadzki talks a lot about leadership. Since he captained his college team, he knows how important communication and accountability are.

He’s now looking to become a regular starter who can make a difference on both ends of the field.

His contract runs through 2027, so he’s got some stability. The challenge now? He has to keep improving while juggling both club and national team responsibilities.

His steady growth really fits with the Crew’s bigger plan to develop and keep top homegrown players.