Columbus Crew 2's New Coach: The Return of A Legend | OneFootball

Columbus Crew fans were excited to hear the news that Federico Higuaín, a club legend, would be returning to the Crew fold — not just as a former player, but as the new head coach of Columbus Crew 2. Higuaín’s journey with the Crew has been one of both remarkable achievement and emotional resonance. His new role with Crew 2 is a perfect continuation of his legacy with the club and the league, as he looks to build on the team's success and continue shaping the future of soccer in Columbus.

A Legendary Career with Columbus Crew

Federico Higuaín's time at Columbus Crew spanned from 2012 to 2019, where he left a lasting impact on both the team and its fanbase. Joining the Crew from Argentine club Atlético Lanús, Higuaín immediately became a key player in the team's attacking lineup. Over his 7 years in Columbus, he made 207 appearances, scoring 55 goals and providing 63 assists. His vision, passing, and playmaking abilities set him apart, and he quickly earned a reputation as one of the best designated-players the club had ever seen.

Higuaín was a central figure in the Crew's most successful years during his time with the club, including the team's run to the 2015 MLS Cup Final and their dominant Supporters' Shield-winning campaign in 2017. His connection with fans, as well as his leadership on and off the field, earned him a special place in Crew history. Fans affectionately referred to him as "Pipa" during his time in Columbus, and his special ability to chip the keeper as "Pipa Chips", a name that remains a symbol of his time as a beloved playmaker and icon for the team.

Transition to Coaching: Higuaín's Role at Inter Miami CF

After his playing career in Columbus ended, Higuaín’s involvement in soccer didn’t stop. He took his first coaching step with Inter Miami CF, where he served as the head coach of their MLS Next Pro team, Inter Miami 2, in 2022. This role provided him with an opportunity to focus on developing young talent and gaining valuable experience in coaching.

At Inter Miami 2, Higuaín was tasked with helping young players transition from the academy and reserve system into professional soccer. Under his leadership, Inter Miami 2 saw a marked improvement in both player development and team performance, which reinforced Higuaín’s reputation as an astute coach with an eye for talent. He also played an instrumental role in creating a positive, competitive environment for players to grow and prepare for their eventual call-ups to the senior team.

The Importance of Crew 2 in Player Development

One of the primary reasons that Higuaín’s return to Columbus Crew 2 is so exciting is because of the reserve team’s critical role in player development. In recent years, Crew 2 has emerged as a strong developmental platform for young talent, offering a direct pathway to the first team. A number of players from Crew 2 have made the jump to Columbus Crew’s senior squad, showcasing the effectiveness of this developmental system.

Take, for example, players like Sean Zawadski who came from Crew 2's developmental pipeline, and Jacen Russell-Rowe, who was signed after impressive performances in the reserve league. These players have seamlessly transitioned to MLS-level play, proving that the Crew’s investment in its reserve team pays off not only in terms of developing future stars but also in terms of the team’s long-term competitiveness.

Players like Max Arfsten and Patrick Schulte, who began their careers in the Crew 2 setup, have also become integral parts of the senior team’s midfield in recent seasons. These success stories highlight the growing importance of Crew 2, which now serves as an essential component in Columbus’ long-term vision to develop homegrown talent and strengthen its roster.

What Federico Higuaín Brings to Crew 2

As the new head coach of Columbus Crew 2, Federico Higuaín’s wealth of experience — both as a legendary player and as a coach — brings a unique combination of insight and passion to the club. Higuaín’s deep understanding of what it takes to succeed in Major League Soccer, combined with his familiarity with the Crew’s culture and structure, makes him the perfect person to lead Crew 2 into its next chapter. His emphasis on technical skills, team cohesion, and player development will surely resonate with the young talent currently on the roster.

With Federico Higuaín back at the helm of Crew 2, there’s a palpable sense of excitement in Columbus as the team prepares for the future. The ability to develop homegrown talent into first-team regulars has never been more vital, and Higuaín’s expertise and passion will be a driving force in that process. Fans can look forward to watching the next generation of Crew stars under his guidance, while also reminiscing about the glory days when Higuaín himself lit up the pitch in black and gold.