COLUMBUS, Ohio — California-native Cesar Ruvalcaba, 23, has been signed by the Columbus Crew for a First Team contract for this season alongside club options for 2026 and 2027, the team announced in a news release.
He was picked in the second round of the MLS SuperDraft 2025. While he had signed with the Crew 2—described as a “developmental second team”—earlier this month, he started for the First Team on March 22 in the match against New York City FC.
“Cesar earned this First Team contract due to his qualities, attitude and hard work since joining our Club earlier this year,” said Crew General Manager Issa Tall in the release. “His efforts and work ethic have been consistent during training over multiple weeks as he smoothly integrated into our First Team, and we look forward to his continued growth and development as a member of the Black & Gold.”
Ruvalcaba said he’s grateful for the opportunity to start his career with this club.
“It’s a dream come true to play for such a historic club,” he said in the release. “From draft day onward, everyone in the organization has been amazing, and I’m thankful to have landed here. I want to sincerely thank the entire organization for believing in me and giving me the chance to represent the Black & Gold. I’m also especially grateful to everyone who has supported and helped me reach this point in my career. This is just the beginning—I’m excited and hungry for what’s ahead. Let’s go Crew!”
Prior to joining the Crew, he played for Southern Methodist University and the California State Polytechnic University, Pomona.
