COLUMBUS, OH – The Columbus Crew have signed Mohamed Farsi to a first team contract, the Club announced Friday from Columbus Crew 2, the MLS Next Pro side of the Black & Gold.

Farsi, 22, is signed through the 2023 season with options for 2024 and 2025. Farsi is just the second Crew 2 player to sign with the first team, following in the steps of forward Jacen Russell-Rowe.

The defender made his first appearance with Columbus Crew 2 in the MLS Next Pro opening weekend when Columbus went to take on Inter Miami II. Since then, the Canadian international has made 14 regular-season appearances (all starts), also recording five assists which is the second-most in MLS Next Pro this year.

Farsi has made two appearances so far with the first team against Charlotte FC and Real Salt Lake.

“Mohamed quickly distinguished himself as one of the top performers for Crew 2 in MLS Next Pro, and we have been impressed with his ability to contribute defensively and offensively,” Crew President and General Manager Tim Bezbatchenko said.

“Second teams are crucial to developing young talent, and we’re already seeing the fruits of Crew 2 with the signings of first Jacen [Russell-Rowe] and now Mohamed. We know this wouldn’t be possible without the collaborative efforts of Caleb, Corey Laurent and our staff to create opportunities for young players and want to commend them for their efforts.”

Prior experience

Before joining the Capybaras, Farsi played for Calvary FC of the Canadian Premier League from 2020-2021, making 38 appearances across all competitions, tallying two goals and five assists.

Farsi was recognized as the Best U-21 Canadian Player of the Year at the Canadian Premier League Awards in 2020.

Priot to joining Calvary FC, he spent the 2019 season with Algerian side AS Ain M’Lila.

“We are happy to see Mohamed rewarded for his hard work this season and pleased with the success that Crew 2 is having in its first year,” said Columbus Crew Assistant General Manager and Columbus Crew 2 General Manager Corey Wray.

“The ability to have second team players receive minutes with the First Team is invaluable and allows us to see how they may perform at the First Team level. As our club continues to grow, we hope to see other players take advantage of their chances and achieve their goal of joining the First Team.”