Austin FC II defeats Columbus Crew 2 in championship game, but the Crew 2’s 2023 campaign was still a success

Photo credit Deborah Lefman

The Columbus Crew 2 fell short in their quest for a repeat championship, losing to Austin FC II 3-1 in the 2023 MLS NEXT Pro Cup Final this past Sunday evening at Lower.com Field in Columbus, Ohio. The Crew 2 were hoping to repeat as MLS NEXT Pro champions, but they were dominated in the second half of this game. Austin FC II are road warriors, having won all four playoff games away from home to take the Cup.

After a scoreless first half which saw the Crew 2 create several opportunities that were dispatched by down blocks and goalkeeper saves, the Crew 2 broke through early in the second half to take a 1-0 lead. Left wing back Noah Fuson was tripped up by Austin FC II defender Cheick Toure inside the box, and a penalty kick was awarded. In the 49th minute, right forward Charles Roberts IV stepped up and buried the penalty shot, sending the goalkeeper the wrong way. 

It was the first and last goal allowed in the postseason by Austin FC II goalkeeper Damian Las, the MLS NEXT Pro Goalkeeper of the Year. The slim lead didn’t hold up for the Crew 2. Austin FC II dominated the second half of the match and broke through in the 68th minute for the tying score on a penalty shot of their own. Crew 2 defender Abdi Mohamed was whistled for clipping Austin FC II midfielder Valentin Noel in the box. Midfielder Alonso Ramirez converted the penalty to tie the score.

Austin FC II took the lead in the 77th minute on a laser shot by Noel from outside the box that hushed the crowd and sent the Austin FC faithful into celebration. Two minutes later, Austin FC II scored a third goal, and the rout was on.

When the match went final, a podium, fireworks, and confetti were wheeled out to center of the pitch. Austin FC II was awarded their trophy, and the celebration was on.

Austin FC II celebrates their MLS NEXT Pro Cup championship at https://t.co/dwniZF1bqH Field. Austin FC II played on the road the entire playoffs to become unlikely champions of MLS NEXT Pro! pic.twitter.com/gtBAo4X1yq

— Joel Speyer (@nyc_buckeye) October 25, 2023

The Crew 2 did not hang their heads. This team exceeded expectations, and the fans were pleased with their effort. The team went down to the Nordecke supporter section behind the north goal for a “Wise Men Serenade” from the crowd, and then the players personally thanked the fans for their support.

A Successful Season

The Crew 2 fell one win short of winning the Cup, but it was a very successful season from a developmental standpoint, according to Head Coach Laurent Courtois. About one-third of the Crew 2 roster are players developed in the Crew Academy. This year’s squad only featured four players who were on the team last year, and the average age was two years younger than last year’s championship team that featured current first team roster members Jacen Russell-Rowe (League MVP), Patrick Schulte (Goalkeeper of the Year), Mohamed Farsi, Sean Zawadzki, and Isaiah Parente.

Given the turnover from 2022 to 2023, the Crew 2’s ability to finish in 3rd place and make a playoff run is a testament to the great coach the organization has in Laurent Courtois. With Courtois at the helm, I expect the Crew 2 to field a competitive team on an annual basis.

The Crew 2 have a great young nucleus of players in Fuson, midfielder Marco Micaletto, goalkeeper Stanislav Lapkes, and striker Mateo Bunbury. If Courtois can keep this nucleus together, the Crew 2 will be a favorite heading into the 2024 season.