Crew keep Lucas Zelarayan on 3-year contract

The Columbus Crew signed star midfielder and reigning MLS Cup MVP Lucas Zelarayan to a new three-year contract Thursday.

The Designated Player deal includes a club option for 2025.

He made just under $2 million in guaranteed compensation in 2021.

Zelarayan, 29, has 21 goals and 19 assists across all competitions since joining the Crew ahead of the 2020 season.

"Over the past two seasons Lucas has proven himself to be