Columbus Crew send homegrown talent Cole Mrowka to USL's Switchbacks via loan
The Crew have sent 18-year-old midfielder Cole Mrowka to the United Soccer League's Colorado Springs Switchbacks via loan through the 2024 USL season. Columbus retains the rights to recall Mrowka at any point.
Mrowka was the second homegrown player for Columbus to go straight through the Crew academy to MLS NEXT Pro's Crew 2 roster to eventually signing a first-team contract with the Crew, which was made official on March 5. The only player before Mrowka to take this path was Taha Habroune, who is on the active Crew roster.
On May 15, Mrowka made his only official appearance for the Crew, entering the match in stoppage time against CF Montreal. Mrowka became the second youngest player to make a professional debut with Columbus, the youngest being Danny Szetela in 2004 at the age of 17.
In 2022, Mrowka joined the Crew academy and was signed to a Crew 2 contract in 2023. With the NEXT Pro team, Mrowka has recorded 36 appearances and five goals.
Takeaways: Columbus Crew continue being 'a winning team,' advance to Leagues Cup final
Colorado Springs is sits in fifth place in the USL Western Conference standings with a record of 9-9-5. The Switchbacks' season can run through Nov. 25 if they reach the final.
Mrowka is one of three players from Columbus' roster who is away on loan. Keegan Hughes is with USL's Loudoun United and Marino Hinestroza is playing for Colombia's Atletico Nacional.
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This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Columbus Crew loan Cole Mrowka to USL Colorado Springs Switchbacks
