A. Jackson Columbus Crew Midfielder #13 Player Profile and Season Highlights
Aziel Jackson, or just A. Jackson if you’re a fan in the stands, rocks number 13 for the Columbus Crew. This guy isn’t just filling a spot—he’s turning heads and becoming a key part of the Crew’s engine room. Watch him for a minute and you’ll see those technical skills and that rare vision—Jackson brings energy and creativity every time he’s out there.
Sure, stats don’t tell the whole story, but Jackson’s numbers don’t lie. At just 23, he’s already played for the Crew and the U.S. national team, building a rep for versatility and flair. If you want to follow his rise in Columbus, check out his official player profile for the latest.
Whether you’re new to MLS or you’ve been riding with the Crew for years, Jackson’s style gives every fan a reason to keep their eyes on him. His progress is something you just can’t ignore.
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Contents
Profile of A. Jackson
Aziel Jackson—A. Jackson to most—lines up in midfield for Columbus Crew, wearing that number 13. His background, physical profile, and his approach on the field tell you a lot about what he brings to the Crew and what he might become.
Background and Early Life
Aziel Christopher Jackson was born October 25, 2001, right in the heart of New York City. He’s American through and through and has quickly become a promising talent in Major League Soccer.
Growing up, Jackson bounced around different youth systems, picking up tactical smarts and polishing his technical skills. After a strong youth run, he started making waves in pro soccer by joining MLS clubs as a young player.
Jackson isn’t from Slovenia—he’s all U.S.—and he hasn’t played for Slovenia’s national team. His adaptability and creative mindset stood out from the start.
Physical Attributes
Jackson stands 5’9″ (1.75 m), with a balanced build that lets him cover a ton of ground. He’s about 150 pounds (68 kg), which helps with his quickness and stamina. That frame? It’s exactly what you want from a dynamic box-to-box midfielder.
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Height | 5 ft 9 in (1.75 m) |
| Weight | 150 lbs (68 kg) |
| Date of Birth | October 25, 2001 |
| Birthplace | New York City, NY |
You’ll notice his agility and balance let him slip through tight spaces. He leans on his strength to shield the ball and hold off defenders.
His engine keeps him going for all 90 minutes—you don’t see him gassing out.
Position and Playing Style
Jackson lines up as a midfielder, usually in an attacking role for Columbus. He plays with a creative, high-tempo style, always looking to connect passes and move the ball upfield.
He’s comfortable with either foot and shifts smoothly between attack and transition. His dribbling, vision, and quick thinking really pop.
Jackson reads the game, intercepts passes, and creates chances. He’ll drop deep or push forward, depending on what the team needs. Want more? Check his official Crew profile.
Columbus Crew and MLS Career
Aziel Jackson’s journey with Columbus Crew has been full of big moves and real contributions on the pitch. As a midfielder wearing #13, he’s right in the thick of the Crew’s recent run of success.
Joining Columbus Crew
You probably first heard Jackson’s name when the Crew brought him in from St. Louis CITY SC. That trade, right before the 2024 season, showed Columbus was serious—$650,000 in General Allocation Money, plus possible bonuses, is no joke.
Jackson came to Columbus after showing flashes at St. Louis CITY SC. The Crew’s technical staff loved his work rate and how easily he handled different midfield roles.
Since arriving in Ohio, Jackson’s settled in at Lower.com Field. His arrival gave the Crew more depth, especially as they tried to defend their MLS Cup. Fans and coaches expect him to push for more starts and keep making an impact.
Homegrown Player Status
Jackson counts as a homegrown player. That’s not just a roster note—it means he came up through the American academy system and gets special contract perks.
As a homegrown, Jackson helps the Crew stretch their roster budget, filling a valuable slot and letting them spend elsewhere. He grew up in U.S. academies, building his technical base and game IQ.
For fans, the homegrown tag means the club’s betting on him for the long haul. For Columbus, it’s a smart mix of youth and experience.
Performance with Crew
Jackson’s made his mark with assists, passing, and minutes on the pitch. Since joining the Crew, he’s brought a burst of energy to midfield.
Coaches trust him to push the attack, create chances, and track back on defense.
Here’s a look at some of his MLS numbers:
| Season | Appearances | Starts | Assists | Pass Completion % |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 18 | 9 | 3 | 86% |
He sets up goals and controls the tempo, especially in close games. Fans love his direct approach and his knack for linking defense and attack.
When Columbus needs a spark or fresh legs, Jackson’s ready.
Role in Key Matches
Jackson’s impact really shows up in big games at Lower.com Field. He’s stepped into playoff atmospheres and high-stakes regular season matches without blinking.
In big moments, you’ll see him in the buildup to crucial goals, often playing the final pass. His movement and awareness make him dangerous late in games when defenders start to fade.
Teammates and analysts have started to recognize what he brings. He’s not a Best XI lock yet, but you get the feeling he’s got more big moments ahead in a Crew shirt.
Transfer and Contract Details
Aziel Jackson made the move to Columbus Crew from St. Louis CITY SC in a headline-grabbing deal. The trade featured a hefty chunk of General Allocation Money and came after Jackson’s stops at several big clubs in MLS and overseas.
General Allocation Money Transactions
You might be asking—what set this transfer apart? Columbus Crew landed Jackson from St. Louis CITY SC for $650,000 in GAM, split over 2024 and 2025. There’s also a shot for St. Louis to grab another $250,000 if Jackson hits certain goals, pushing the total up to $900,000.
That’s a serious investment for a young, creative midfielder. It shows just how much Columbus values Jackson’s upside.
This deal reflects the current MLS landscape—teams are shelling out for young, high-upside players, and using GAM to plan for the future. Here’s the breakdown:
| Year | Guaranteed GAM | Conditional GAM | Total Potential GAM |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $325,000 | ||
| 2025 | $325,000 | ||
| Bonus | Up to $250,000 | Up to $900,000 |
You can catch all the details in the Crew’s official announcement.
Previous Clubs
Before Columbus, Jackson traveled a winding road. He started at New York Red Bulls’ academy, then jumped to Toulouse FC’s youth setup in France.
After that, he came back stateside to Minnesota United FC, playing for both the main squad and MNUFC2 in MLS NEXT Pro. His play earned him a move to St. Louis CITY SC, where he made an instant impact as an attacking midfielder.
Earlier, Jackson spent time with North Carolina FC’s youth team and even had a trial at Philadelphia Union. Every stop added a new layer to his game.
Here’s the quick rundown:
| Club | Years |
|---|---|
| New York Red Bulls (Academy) | 2014-2017 |
| Toulouse FC (Youth) | 2018-2019 |
| North Carolina FC | 2019 |
| Minnesota United FC | 2021-2022 |
| MNUFC2 | 2022 |
| St. Louis CITY SC | 2023-2024 |
| Columbus Crew | 2024- |
All those experiences? They’ve made Jackson a unique, versatile player on the field.
Achievements and Honors
Aziel Jackson’s record as a midfielder for the Crew stands out—both for his club and personal accolades. His steady play and influence have earned him league recognition and team honors.
Best XI Honors
Landing a spot in the Best XI means you’ve had a special season—only the top players make that list. In MLS and its development leagues, this is a big deal.
Jackson made the MLS NEXT Pro Best XI, putting him among the league’s brightest rising stars. They recognize not just stats, but your ability to impact games and lead.
Here’s a look at his best season:
| Season | Competition | Matches | Goals | Assists | Best XI Selection |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | MLS NEXT Pro | 23 | 10 | 7 | Yes |
That’s a sign you’re not just showing up—you’re leading the way.
MLS NEXT Pro Impact
When you make waves in MLS NEXT Pro, you’re not just another name on the roster—you’re showing everyone you’re ready for the next level. Aziel Jackson jumped in and made his presence felt right away.
He led MNUFC2 in matches, goals, and assists. That’s not just numbers; that’s a guy who shows up every week and delivers.
Jackson created 70 scoring chances in a single season. That’s a creative spark you just can’t teach, and it powered a big chunk of his team’s offense.
These stats don’t lie—they show how much he’s grown and how quickly he’s adapted. He stepped up when his team needed a breakthrough, becoming the player others relied on when the moment called for it.
His run in MLS NEXT Pro didn’t just get noticed; it basically demanded a shot with the Columbus Crew. Honestly, he left his fingerprints all over the league’s young history.
Notable Contributions and Statistics
Aziel Jackson’s reputation with the Columbus Crew? Creative, tireless, and always up for the big moment. He brings real technical skill and keeps things steady when he’s on the ball.
He’s delivered in key moments for his squad, and that’s something you just can’t overlook.
Seasonal Performance Highlights
So, let’s talk 2024. Jackson landed in Columbus after a trade from St. Louis City SC—$650,000 in General Allocation Money, if you’re counting. You’ll spot him in the #13 shirt, running the midfield with a calm confidence and sharp vision.
He’s started plenty of matches, and his passing accuracy has made a real difference. The Crew have leaned on him to move the ball from defense to attack, and he’s delivered.
Check the match logs and you’ll see his influence all over the stat sheet. Jackson’s versatility keeps him moving around the midfield, forcing defenses to guess what comes next.
The club appreciates how well he keeps the ball and how hard he presses. He’s not afraid to take on defenders, and his quick feet make him stand out every time he steps onto the pitch.
Seasonal Appearances and Key Stats Table:
| Season | Club | Appearances | Minutes Played | Pass Accuracy (%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Columbus Crew | 23 | 1,750 | 85 |
Assist and Goal Records
Jackson shows up as both a playmaker and a finisher. In 2023 with MNUFC2, he knocked in 10 goals and chipped in several assists. That season really set the stage for his rise.
Now with Columbus Crew in 2024, coaches and fans keep talking about his assist numbers. You can see why—he just reads the field so well, always creating high-quality chances for his teammates.
He threads crucial passes through tight spaces. Sometimes you wonder how he even spots those runs, but he does. Jackson also knows how to find his forwards with perfectly timed through balls.
Goals? Sure, they’re not always the main thing in his role, but let’s not ignore his scoring. He steps up and finds the net when it matters, especially in those big, pressure-packed matches.
Assist and Goal Breakdown:
- 2023 (MNUFC2): 10 goals, 6 assists
- 2024 (Columbus Crew): 3 goals, 7 assists
You can dig into more of his stats and highlights over at Columbus Crew’s official player profile or his Wikipedia page.
