Columbus Crew 2 has strengthened its lineup by signing defender Rui Aoki and midfielders Johann Chirinos and Moses Nyeman to MLS NEXT Pro contracts for the upcoming 2026 season. These acquisitions aim to enhance the squad’s depth and versatility in preparation for future challenges.
Insights from Columbus Crew 2 Leadership on New Additions
Brian Bliss, the Academy Director, expressed enthusiasm about the new signings, highlighting each player’s unique attributes and potential impact. He said,
“We’re very excited to welcome all three players to Columbus this season.”
Bliss added,
“Rui plays with great energy and will be a leader as an experienced player on the back line. Johann is a dynamic player who we expect to help create opportunities in the final third. Moses brings tremendous experience with the Youth National Teams and in MLS, and we are looking forward to his contributions in the midfield.”
Background and Career Path of Rui Aoki
Rui Aoki, a 23-year-old defender from Hyogo, Japan, completed his college soccer career at the University of Vermont before joining Columbus Crew 2. In the 2025 season, he contributed to Vermont’s impressive 14-1-5 overall record and helped the Catamounts secure a 6-0-1 conference record in America East play. Aoki started in nine out of ten clean sheet games and achieved a personal best of two goals during that season.
Prior to Vermont, Aoki began his collegiate journey at Barton Community College in Great Bend, Kansas, where he made 27 appearances with 17 starts over two seasons. He then transferred to UMass Lowell, participating in 27 games and starting 24 across two campaigns before signing with Columbus Crew 2.
Johann Chirinos’ Journey from Europe to Columbus
Midfielder Johann Chirinos arrives at Columbus Crew 2 after playing with FC Ingolstadt II in Germany. A Honduran international, Chirinos scored five goals in 26 games during the 2024-25 season and added two more goals in 10 matches in the following campaign. His European experience includes appearances for SpVgg Greuther Fürth U19 in the A-Juniors Bundesliga South, where he played 26 matches, netting four goals and providing one assist.
Chirinos also has a strong track record with the Honduras U-21 national team, earning five caps and scoring his first international goal on September 24, 2025, in a friendly match against Guatemala. He participated in the Central American Games in October, representing his country at the youth level.
Moses Nyeman’s Experience Across MLS and International Levels
Moses Nyeman, the 22-year-old midfielder, joins Columbus Crew 2 following his stint with Loudoun United in the USL Championship. Having accumulated over 1,500 minutes in 38 MLS matches, Nyeman brings considerable experience from his time with D.C. United, Real Salt Lake, and Minnesota United FC, collectively starting 18 times.
Beginning his professional career with the D.C. United Academy, Nyeman made his pro debut as a 15-year-old for Loudoun United. He scored his first professional goal on July 28, 2019, against Louisville City. As a Liberian native, Nyeman entered MLS competition at age 16, debuting against the Philadelphia Union on August 29, 2020.
In 2022, Nyeman signed with Belgium’s SK Beveren in the Challenger Pro League and later went on loan to Real Salt Lake in 2023. During his loan, he featured in two first-team matches and started 16 games for Real Monarchs in MLS NEXT Pro. In 2024, he played with Minnesota United FC’s MLS NEXT Pro squad, MNUFC2, starting 15 of 17 matches and making four first-team appearances, including one start. Returning to Loudoun United last season, Nyeman appeared in 17 games, starting nine and scoring one goal.
Significance and Outlook for Columbus Crew 2
The addition of Aoki, Chirinos, and Nyeman represents a strategic effort by Columbus Crew 2 to blend international talent and domestic experience as they prepare for the 2026 MLS NEXT Pro season. Each player’s diverse background and demonstrated skills are expected to elevate the team’s competitiveness and influence on the field. With a mix of leadership, dynamism, and youthful energy, these signings could shape Crew 2’s success and development moving forward.
