Columbus Crew have re-signed center-backs Rudy Camacho and Steven Moreira following the team’s 2023 MLS Cup triumph over LAFC.
The two worked well alongside each other in first-year head coach Wilfried Nancy’s back-three system, with Camacho occupying the central role while Moreira locked down the right-sided position. The two were integral to Columbus’ success, playing every minute of 2023 MLS Cup playoffs.
Before joining Columbus, Camacho was a stalwart in CF Montreal’s defense, making over 150 appearances for the Canadian side. Nancy and Camacho crossed paths at Montreal durung the former’s two seasons in charge from 2021 until 2022. Camacho’s deal keeps him at Lower.com Field through the 2025 MLS season.
As Nancy left Montreal to join the Crew in December 2022, Camacho soon followed in July to reunite with his former head coach, spearheading Columbus’ campaign to MLS Cup. Camacho has now made 11 appearances (eight starts) since joining the Eastern Conference side, with Nancy clearly entrusting the 32-year-old with leading the defense.
“Rudy has been incredibly strong and consistent since joining the Crew as his veteran leadership and steady presence commanding our backline played a key role in our championship campaign,” Columbus president and general manager Tim Bezbatchenko said in a release.
“He was instrumental in helping us win MLS Cup, and we look forward to seeing his contributions extend even further during his first full season with the original Black & Gold.”
Moreira joined the Black and Gold in the 2021 summer transfer window from French side Toulouse, quickly becoming one of the team’s standout performers in defense. Since his arrival, the 29-year-old has notched over 80 appearances across all competitions, starting 65 games.
The new deal for Moreira extends his stay with one of the league’s original clubs through the 2025 league season with an option for 2026.
“We are excited to announce that we have re-signed Steven to a new contract,” Bezbatchenko said.
“Since joining the Crew, Steven has been a loyal and dependable asset to the Club, showing his leadership, skill and tenacity since the moment he sported the Black & Gold. His work ethic on and off the field serves as an example to his teammates, and how he values his connection with our supporters.”
With veteran midfielder Darlington Nagbe already tied down to a fresh deal, the Crew are not messing about as they attempt to retain the core that saw them lift their third MLS Cup.
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