In a move that brings a familiar face back to the helm, the Columbus Crew has tapped Federico Higuain to lead Crew 2, their developmental team. The announcement ushers in a seasoned veteran with significant ties to the club. Higuain has netted 59 goals and etched his name as the all-time assist leader during his eight seasons in Columbus. His return to the team became official earlier this week, as noted by several local sources.
After a fruitful tenure in the field that saw him recognized as the MLS Newcomer of the Year in 2012 and helping the Crew clinch the 2015 Eastern Conference title, Higuain transitioned into coaching. His latest position before this appointment was with Inter Miami II, where he honed his coaching skills for two seasons. "The values that he has align perfectly with what we want," Columbus Crew Technical Director Marc Nicholls told ABC6, affirming the club's decision to promote Higuain from within the ranks of MLS NEXT Pro.
Following Crew 2's past successes, including a title win under first coach Laurent Courtois, Higuain takes over a bench that seems like a launchpad. The Crew's inaugural coach has since moved on to head coaching duties at CF Montreal, while Kelvin Jones, who dedicated just one season to Crew 2, has accepted an assistant coaching job with MLS’ newest team, San Diego FC. Higuain becomes the third head coach in the history of the Crew 2 squad, continuing a trend of upward career trajectories for those at the helm.
Crew 2 has added excitement this season, as U.S. Soccer confirmed the team will compete in the 2025 U.S. Open Cup, a slot typically reserved for the Crew's first team. The decision, reported by The Columbus Dispatch, has stirred the fan base, setting the stage for a significant year for both Higuain and the Crew 2 squad. As for when fans can witness Higuain's return to the stadium he once called home, Crew 2 is slated to face Crown Legacy FC at Historic Crew Stadium on April 4, as reported by NBC4i. The match will serve not just as a homecoming but as a potential blueprint for the future of this developmental squad.
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