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

You’ve seen plenty of midfielders come and go, but not many blend composure, versatility, and that homegrown vibe quite like Sean Zawadzki, Columbus Crew’s No. 25. He’s a Crew Academy product and a Georgetown grad, and he’s built his game on reliability and smart positioning.

He anchors the midfield, drops into defense, and pops up with key moments that can swing a match. Not bad for a local guy making good.

Zawadzki’s journey from college standout to MLS regular really shows the value of steady development. His years with the Hoyas shaped his leadership, and Crew 2 gave him a taste of the pro pace.

That foundation got him into the first team, and he’s played a part in the Crew’s recent success—including that 2023 MLS Cup run.

His role keeps evolving, from an academy prospect to a U.S. Men’s National Team call-up. Every step feels like it’s about consistency and growth, not flashy headlines.

If you’re watching Columbus these days, Zawadzki’s in the lineup for a reason: he brings stability and ambition to the club’s future.

Player Profile and Position

You get a sense of Zawadzki’s local roots and steady growth every time he steps on the field. He brings reliability, tactical awareness, and a clear hunger to keep improving to the Columbus Crew midfield.

He credits both his Georgetown days and Crew Academy for shaping his approach.

Squad Number and Role

You spot Zawadzki by his #25 shirt, a number that’s become a fixture in the Crew’s midfield rotation. He plays mainly as a central midfielder, but coaches have thrown him into defensive roles plenty of times.

The Crew signed him as a Homegrown Player in 2022 after he spent years in their academy. He knows the club’s system inside out, which makes him fit naturally in both possession and pressing.

Since his debut, Zawadzki’s minutes have gone up steadily. In 2023, he played 30 matches, started 15, and scored three goals.

He reads the game well and helps keep the midfield balanced so the attackers can take more risks.

Season	Club	Matches	Starts	Goals	Minutes
2023	Columbus Crew	30	15	3	1,569
2022	Columbus Crew 2	21	19	1	—

Playing Style and Versatility

Zawadzki plays with a calmness on the ball that’s hard to teach. He keeps a steady tempo, linking defense and attack with sharp, short passes.

He can handle the role of a holding midfielder, fill in as a center back, or go box-to-box if that’s what the match needs. That kind of versatility earned him a call-up to the U.S. Men’s National Team, including the November 2025 camp.

He focuses on positioning and timing more than flashy moves. His defensive instincts, shaped by his time as Georgetown’s captain, make him super dependable under pressure.

He doesn’t dive into tackles recklessly and usually regains possession by reading the play.

Physical Attributes

At 183 cm and 72 kg, Zawadzki strikes a nice balance between endurance and strength without being overly physical. His build lets him cover ground efficiently, and he stays agile.

You can see how he uses his body to shield the ball and cut off passing lanes. He’s not the fastest, but his quick bursts over short distances help him recover defensively.

Born in Olmsted Falls, Ohio, Zawadzki really embodies the Crew’s focus on local talent. He’s got the durability and composure you want in a modern MLS midfielder.

Columbus Crew Career

Sean Zawadzki’s steady rise with the Crew just feels like a lesson in patience and precision. From his early MLS debut to those clutch goals and playoff moments, his journey really shows what a strong club system can do for a player.

MLS Debut and First Goal

You probably first noticed Zawadzki in 2022 when he debuted for the Crew against Real Salt Lake. He played all 90 minutes in a 0–0 draw, looking pretty calm in the center of midfield.

Just a few days later, he scored his first MLS goal in a 2–1 win at Toronto FC, hitting it from distance with his left foot.

That goal showed he was more than just a depth piece. Coming from the Crew Academy and Georgetown, he brought a sense of timing and control that fit right into coach Wilfried Nancy’s system.

His versatility let him move between midfield and defense, giving the team tactical balance.

In 2022, he also played for Crew 2 in MLS NEXT Pro, helping them win the inaugural title. That experience set him up for the consistency he’d later show in league play.

2022 Key Stats

Competition	Appearances	Goals	Assists	Minutes Played
MLS	5	1	0	360
MLS NEXT Pro	21	1	2	1,800

Key Matches and Notable Performances

By 2023, Zawadzki had become a regular. He played in 30 league matches and scored three goals, including a dramatic 98th-minute equalizer against the New England Revolution and another late strike versus NYCFC.

Those moments showed his awareness and composure when it mattered.

In games against Charlotte and other Eastern Conference teams, he filled in for injured teammates, even playing in the back line when needed. His reliability helped the Crew defense stay organized, especially when the lineup rotated.

Coach Nancy often called him a “connector” who understood spacing and tempo. It’s easy to see that in how quickly he transitions play and wins the ball back cleanly.

MLS Cup and Playoff Contributions

Zawadzki played a huge role during the Crew’s 2023 MLS Cup run. He appeared in all six postseason games, anchoring midfield transitions and pressing high when the team needed to win the ball back.

His positioning limited opponents’ chances, especially near the box.

During the 2023 MLS Cup, his tactical discipline helped Columbus control the tempo and possession. The Crew’s 2–1 win brought home their third championship.

His playoff consistency earned him a multi-year contract extension through 2027. That deal shows how much the club values him as a homegrown player who brings stability to a shifting roster.

Even in the U.S. Open Cup and national team camps, his approach stayed the same: efficient, composed, and always thinking about the team first.

You won’t see him in the headlines for flashy plays, but he shapes games with his positioning and decision-making.

Development Pathway

You can really see how Zawadzki’s growth connects early training, college experience, and pro development. His rise shows that structured setups like the Crew Academy and MLS Next Pro bridge the gap between youth soccer and the top level.

Crew Academy Journey

Zawadzki’s roots run deep in the Crew Academy, where he started in 2015. Growing up in Olmsted Falls, Ohio, he spent those early years building tactical awareness and technical skills.

Those sessions helped him read the game from midfield.

He stood out for his consistency and leadership, which got him a spot at Georgetown University. There, he captained the Hoyas and won the 2019 NCAA College Cup.

That experience gave him the maturity and calm that now define his professional play.

Key Development Highlights:

Year	Team	Achievement
2015–2018	Crew Academy	Joined youth system
2018–2021	Georgetown Hoyas	NCAA Champion, Team Captain

Both programs built his discipline and adaptability—qualities you see every time he’s in the Crew midfield.

Columbus Crew 2 and MLS Next Pro Experience

Zawadzki made the jump to Columbus Crew 2 during the first MLS Next Pro season in 2022. He played 21 games, started 19, and helped the team win the MLS Next Pro Cup.

That season tested his endurance and precision. He faced experienced pros and had to manage tempo and possession under pressure.

His performances earned him a call-up to the senior team, where he scored his first MLS goal against Toronto FC.

Season	Club	Matches	Goals	Honors
2022	Columbus Crew 2	21	1	MLS Next Pro Cup Champion

That experience really bridged the gap between development and the pro game, getting him ready for consistent first-team minutes.

Collegiate Achievements

Sean Zawadzki’s college years showed early signs of his discipline and adaptability. His time at Georgetown University shaped his technical skills, leadership, and competitive mindset—setting him up for his Crew career.

Georgetown University Career

At Georgetown University, Zawadzki quickly became one of the Hoyas’ most reliable players from 2018 to 2021. He made 78 appearances, scored four goals, and anchored the midfield with a calm, steady presence.

His defensive awareness and passing range stood out in a program that values structure and discipline.

Coach Brian Wiese trusted him as a consistent starter who balanced defensive work with smart distribution.

By his junior year, Zawadzki’s influence went beyond the stat sheet. His steady play helped Georgetown reach national prominence, including the 2019 NCAA Division I Men’s Soccer Championship.

Season	Appearances	Goals	Assists	Honors
2018	19	0	1	Big East All-Freshman Team
2019	24	1	2	NCAA Champion
2020	17	1	1	Team Captain
2021	18	2	0	Big East Defensive Player of the Year

Leadership and Team Success

Zawadzki’s leadership grew as he captained the Hoyas in his final two years. Teammates looked to him for composure in tight matches, especially in the Big East Tournament and NCAA postseason.

He didn’t rely on flash, but his timing and positioning made him invaluable. Coaches counted on him to organize the midfield and keep the defense in sync.

He earned the Big East Defensive Player of the Year in 2021 for a reason.

His leadership played a big part in Georgetown’s consistent top finishes. The team’s ability to control tempo and close out matches often depended on his decision-making.

Notable College Matches

If you followed Georgetown closely, you probably remember how much Zawadzki influenced the 2019 NCAA College Cup Final. He took charge of the midfield, and the Hoyas grabbed their first national title by beating Virginia in a penalty shootout.

In Big East play, his 2021 semifinal against Providence stands out. He shut down attacks and set up the winning goal with a sharp forward pass.

During the weird, shortened 2020 season, he kept things steady even with all the disruptions. He adapted to different formations and opponents, which really hinted at why he’d later thrive with the Columbus Crew.

If you want more on his background and college journey, check out his player profile.

International Experience

You’ve watched Sean Zawadzki go from Georgetown’s steady midfielder to a pro who’s earned looks beyond MLS. His time with the U.S. Men’s National Team proves that consistent play and composure can open some pretty big doors.

U.S. Men’s National Team Involvement

Zawadzki’s rise feels like the result of steady growth, not just a lucky break. The Olmsted Falls native got his first call-up to the U.S. Men’s National Team (USMNT) during the 2024 January Camp, starting against Slovenia under head coach Mauricio Pochettino.

At 25, he balances being young with having a decent chunk of experience. His ability to read the game and hold onto the ball under pressure caught the national staff’s attention. You can see how his passing and defensive positioning look a lot like what he showed at Georgetown.

His spot alongside teammates Patrick Schulte and Max Arfsten really shows Columbus Crew’s growing impact on the national scene. In the Audi 2025 MLS Cup Playoffs, he handled high-pressure moments, which the USMNT definitely values when building depth in midfield.

Year	Event	Opponent	Role	Result
2024	January Camp	Slovenia	Starter	3–1 Win
2025	November Camp	Training/Selection	Midfielder	Pending

International Friendlies and Call-Ups

You probably noticed Zawadzki’s latest selection for the November 2025 FIFA International Window, when U.S. Soccer called him up for friendlies against Paraguay and Uruguay. That call-up really confirmed his place in the national program.

In two upcoming matches at Subaru Park and Raymond James Stadium, he’ll join Schulte and Arfsten as part of a Crew trio repping the U.S. abroad. These games are a real test for domestic players adjusting to the speed and tactics of international soccer.

Zawadzki’s precise passing and calmness late in games make him a strong option in midfield rotations. His 93.3% passing accuracy in the playoffs? That’s probably why Pochettino’s staff gave him another look. You can see the official roster announcement on the Columbus Crew website.

Contract and Future Prospects

You see a player who’s really earned his spot through steady growth and reliability. Sean Zawadzki’s new deal with the Columbus Crew locks in his future in Major League Soccer and gives the club a dependable piece in midfield.

His path from academy standout to first-team regular just shows what happens when preparation meets opportunity.

Contract Extension Details

Zawadzki signed a multi-year contract extension through the 2027 season with the Columbus Crew. The deal marks his growing importance after a strong 2023, with 30 regular-season games and big playoff moments.

He joined the Crew as a Homegrown Player in 2022 after a standout college run at Georgetown University. He captained the Hoyas and helped them win the 2019 NCAA College Cup.

His ability to play both midfield and defense boosted his value to the roster. The club’s leadership, including President Tim Bezbatchenko, pointed to Zawadzki’s consistency and adaptability.

For fans, it means you get to watch a player who totally fits the Crew’s identity and long-term plans. The contract also shows the Crew want to keep their core guys together as they chase more MLS success.

Season	Appearances	Goals	Assists	Contract Status
2022	5	1	0	Signed as Homegrown
2023	30	3	1	Extended through 2027
2024	28	2	2	Active Contract

Aspirations and Upcoming Matches

You’ll probably see Zawadzki taking on even more responsibility as the Crew chase another MLS Cup. Lately, the U.S. Men’s National Team called him up—so clearly, people outside the club are starting to notice his efforts.

He wants to lock down his spot in the midfield rotation. At the same time, he’s focused on keeping up the defensive edge that coach Wilfried Nancy trusts.

The Crew have some big games coming up against top Eastern Conference teams. Zawadzki could play a real part in how they handle possession and transitions.

Right now, his main goal is pretty straightforward: stay healthy and keep performing. Down the line, he hopes to become a regular for both the Crew and the national team—a journey that started back in Olmsted Falls and keeps moving forward in Columbus.