A. Jackson Columbus Crew Midfielder #13 Performance Analysis and Season Highlights

If you’ve been tuning in to Major League Soccer this season, you’ve probably noticed the rise of A. Jackson, Columbus Crew’s number 13. Jackson brings sharp vision, reliable passing, and a relentless engine—he just doesn’t let up in the midfield.

Fans and coaches alike have started to take notice. Jackson’s journey and steady climb have made him a name to watch for anyone looking for the next difference-maker.

At just 23, Jackson plays with a maturity that’s honestly surprising. He balances the game’s tempo and connects play all over the pitch.

If you’re into tactics or just love tracking player development, his recent switch from St. Louis CITY SC to the Crew is a story you’ll want to follow. You can get deep into his stats and style on his Crew player profile or check out the trade details.

A. Jackson at Columbus Crew

A. Jackson has stepped right into a big role in the Columbus Crew midfield since his move from St. Louis City SC. With the number 13 on his back, his adaptability and playmaking skills have really made an impact in the Crew’s recent run of good form.

Current Role and Position

Right now, Jackson lines up as an attacking midfielder for Columbus Crew. He usually sits just behind the strikers, helping spark attacks and dropping in those key passes.

His technical skills and awareness make him a steady hand in the middle. You’ll see him cover a ton of ground every match.

He reads the game well, pressing when the Crew lose the ball and dropping deeper when needed. Jackson links defense and attack, and that’s made him a go-to guy for head coach Wilfried Nancy.

If you want more on his role, check the official Crew website.

Number 13 Significance

Jackson rocks number 13, a jersey that some players just won’t touch. But for him, it’s a statement—he’s not afraid to stand out or go his own way.

Crew fans now see number 13 and think of Jackson’s quick feet and sharp mind. He’s made that number his own, bringing energy and focus every time he’s on the pitch.

With every match in black and gold, he adds to his identity as a creative homegrown talent.

Key Contributions in Recent Seasons

Jackson’s already delivered some big moments for the Crew. He bagged his first goal for Columbus in a tight win over Orlando City, sealing the deal in a wild, back-and-forth game that had fans on their feet.

His vision and passing have set up plenty of scoring chances and fit perfectly with the Crew’s possession-based game. Want to relive that Orlando City goal? Catch the details here.

Here’s a quick look at Jackson’s MLS numbers since joining Columbus:

Season	Matches Played	Goals	Assists	Minutes Played
2024	23	3	5	1,620

If you’re following the Crew’s playoff push, keep your eyes on him.

Background and Early Development

Ever wonder how a midfielder like A. Jackson built the foundation for a pro career with the Crew? Let’s rewind a bit.

His early days, training, and those big teenage decisions all shaped the player you see today. It’s a mix of talent and the right chances at the right time.

Birthplace and Date

Aziel Christopher Jackson—most folks just call him AZ or A. Jackson—was born October 25, 2001, in New York City. Growing up in NYC, with its fast pace and wild mix of cultures, definitely shaped his game and his attitude.

He soaked up different playing styles and cultures from a young age, and it shows. New York’s parks and youth leagues gave him his first real test.

Those places demand grit and quick thinking. You see that toughness and versatility in his midfield play now.

Being raised in such a competitive, diverse environment helped Jackson develop the mental edge you need to go pro. It’s not shocking that Columbus’s number 13 learned early on how to mix creativity with discipline.

Youth Academies and Training

You can’t really get Jackson’s story without talking about his path through some top youth academies. He started out with Crossfire FC in Washington, a club known for turning out tough, skilled players.

He moved on to the Seattle Sounders academy, where he sharpened both his technical and tactical skills. That move was huge—he got pro-level coaching and a shot at real competition.

The Sounders coaches taught him the finer details, especially in midfield. After that, Jackson joined the New York Red Bulls Academy.

The Red Bulls’ style—quick passing, sharp movement—suited him. Each step in these academies built up his skills and soccer IQ.

Key Youth Clubs Table

Club	Role/Position	Years
Crossfire FC	Midfielder	Early Years
Seattle Sounders	Midfielder	Youth Stage
New York Red Bulls	Midfielder	Pre-Professional

Influence of Early Career Moves

You can draw a straight line from those early moves to the pro you see now. After the U.S. academies, Jackson took a gutsy leap—he headed to Europe as a teenager and joined Toulouse FC in France.

That was a big swing. Training in France exposed him to new coaching styles, stricter routines, and a whole different tactical approach, especially in midfield.

Life in Europe forced him to adapt fast, on and off the field. He had to deal with a new language and culture, but the lessons stuck.

When Jackson decided to come back to the U.S., it showed real maturity. By playing in both American and European systems, he picked up versatility, tactical smarts, and the confidence to handle whatever comes his way.

These experiences now show every time he adapts to a new style or situation for the Crew. For more on his journey, check his player profile.

MLS Career Path and Club Journey

Aziel Jackson’s pro journey is a story of steady progress up the MLS ladder. He’s made moves, honed his craft in development squads, and now he’s emerging as a playmaker to watch.

Minnesota United FC and MNUFC2

Jackson kicked off his MLS career with Minnesota United FC back in 2021. Most of his minutes came with MNUFC2, Minnesota’s MLS NEXT Pro team, where he led the squad in appearances and attacking numbers.

In 2022, Jackson played 23 matches, started 21, and racked up 10 goals plus a handful of assists. He led the league in scoring chances created.

Season	Club	Appearances	Starts	Goals	Assists
2022	MNUFC2	23	21	10	7

His time there sharpened his playmaking instincts. Jackson’s technical skills and vision set him apart, and soon other clubs started calling.

Experience at St. Louis City SC

After Minnesota, Jackson joined St. Louis City SC for their first MLS season. He took on a new challenge with an expansion team eager to make a splash.

Jackson played both centrally and out wide, showing he could adapt. Most of his minutes came off the bench, but he always brought energy and creativity.

St. Louis used his work rate and passing vision to their advantage. He became known for pressing and keeping the ball under pressure.

Eventually, the club traded Jackson to Columbus Crew for $650,000 in General Allocation Money. With the move, Jackson got a fresh shot at a title contender.

Loan to North Carolina FC

To get more playing time, Jackson headed out on loan to North Carolina FC in the USL Championship. There, he got regular minutes and tested himself against seasoned pros.

Jackson ran the attack and helped control the midfield for North Carolina FC. That loan spell gave him real, competitive experience and boosted his confidence.

When he returned, Jackson came back sharper and more ready for the MLS grind.

Playing Style and On-Field Characteristics

Aziel Jackson, now wearing number 13 for Columbus Crew, keeps impressing with his technical skills, awareness, and non-stop energy. He fits into different midfield roles and always makes his presence felt on both ends of the field.

Technical Skills and Vision

Right off the bat, you notice Jackson’s comfort on the ball. He’s quick-footed, controls passes in tight spots, and keeps the ball moving with smart, simple touches.

His passing range is impressive—he can combine short or switch the play, but he rarely forces anything risky. Jackson’s vision is a big asset.

He spots teammates making clever runs and stays a step ahead of defenders. He uses both feet, which makes him tough to predict.

Jackson’s dribbling is all about quick direction changes and tight control. He can drive forward or spin out of trouble when needed.

Stat	2024 MLS Season
Appearances	23
Goals	4
Assists	7
Pass Completion Rate	86%
Chances Created	52

Midfield Versatility

You watch Jackson glide between roles, sometimes stepping up as an attacking playmaker, other times dropping deep to kickstart the buildup. The Columbus Crew coaches even toss him up top as a forward during practice. That kind of flexibility? It’s made him a real asset, giving the team options to shake things up depending on the opponent or formation.

He fills in gaps, connects lines, and makes those snap decisions when the pressure’s on. When Jackson pushes higher, he links up with attackers and opens space for teammates. On the defensive end, he tucks in, holds his spot, and isn’t shy about getting stuck in with a timely tackle. You almost always spot him in the thick of things, no matter what phase the game’s in.

Work Rate and Stamina

Jackson’s work rate? It’s honestly relentless. You see him pressing opponents deep in their half, hustling back during transitions, and fighting to win the ball back. Whether Columbus has possession or not, he just keeps grinding, and he usually covers more ground than most guys out there.

His stamina lets him stay sharp from kickoff to the final whistle. Even late in the match, he’s making those supporting runs, always giving passing options, and pouring his energy into defense. The physical grind of his job doesn’t seem to faze him, and that engine is a huge reason he’s becoming a fixture in the lineup.

For a closer look at Aziel Jackson’s profile, check out the Columbus Crew official page. You can also see his full stats and background on his ESPN player page.

Contracts, Transfers, and Roster Details

The Columbus Crew brought in Aziel Jackson with a sharp eye on contracts and all those tricky league roster rules. His transfer terms, the allocation money involved, and where he fits on the roster all come into play when you see him out there on match day.

Homegrown Player Status Explained

In Major League Soccer, a “homegrown player” signs straight from a club’s academy, skipping the draft. That homegrown label usually helps teams save a bit under the salary cap, since these players might not count fully toward it, and teams hold special rights.

Jackson, though he developed in New York and Minnesota, doesn’t carry that homegrown tag for Columbus Crew. That changes things contract-wise—his salary and movement fall under tighter cap rules. When you look at Columbus’ roster, you’ll see the homegrown label reserved for local academy guys who’ve been with the youth program at least a year.

This status also shapes how quickly a player joins the senior squad and can open up unique roster spots or discounts for rising stars. Jackson’s journey means he takes up a standard roster slot, so he’s competing with both international and domestic signings, not holding that special club-developed status.

General Allocation Money Overview

General Allocation Money, or GAM, is one of those quirky MLS tools teams use to work around the league’s salary rules. Columbus Crew shelled out $650,000 in GAM, split across 2024 and 2025, to pick up Jackson from St. Louis CITY SC. There’s even a chance for another $250,000 if he hits certain performance marks, which could push it up to $900,000, according to MLSSoccer.com.

Teams use GAM to “buy down” a player’s budget hit or sign new faces without busting the cap. By spending GAM, Columbus kept some wiggle room for other signings—GAM’s gold for clubs looking to stay deep or make a splashy move.

GAM Table:

Year	Guaranteed GAM	Potential Extra
2024	$325,000	Up to $250,000
2025	$325,000	—

It’s not just Jackson’s skill that stands out—it’s the contract structure that makes him a smart pickup.

Supplemental Slots Allocation

MLS rosters have senior and supplemental slots. Those supplemental slots, like numbers 25 to 28, matter a lot for squad depth and staying under the salary cap. Players in these spots usually make the minimum and don’t hit the cap hard, so they’re perfect for prospects or depth pieces.

For Columbus Crew, how they use these slots shapes who moves up or who rides the bench as the season rolls on. Jackson, coming in with big GAM, lands in a senior slot, not a supplemental one. His contract hits the main salary pool, not the limited “supplemental” side.

Teams juggle these slots carefully, pairing experienced and high-upside guys like Jackson with young talent. That’s how you build a deep, competitive squad without breaking the bank. The supplemental roster lets the club stash money for bigger moves and keep options open for late-season call-ups or covering injuries.

Achievements and Honors

Aziel Jackson’s career? It’s stacked with highlights that show why he’s earned so much respect in American soccer. From making top teams in MLS NEXT Pro to grabbing individual and team awards, he’s backed up every step with real performances.

MLS NEXT Pro Best XI Honors

Jackson’s run in MLS NEXT Pro? It jumps off the page, especially his spot in the Best XI. Only the most consistent, skilled players get that nod.

He made the MLS NEXT Pro Best XI by creating more scoring chances than anyone else that season—70, to be exact. That’s not just about goals or assists; it’s about shaping every match and making teammates better.

This honor put him on the radar for senior teams and even national scouts. For a midfielder, reaching this level? That’s rare vision, work rate, and technical skill all rolled into one. No wonder younger players look up to him.

Performance Awards with MNUFC2

Jackson didn’t just show up with MNUFC2—he led the way as both a leader and a playmaker. In that season, he topped the charts for appearances, goals, and assists.

Here’s a quick look at those MNUFC2 stats:

Season	Games Played	Games Started	Goals	Assists
2022	23	21	10	7

His knack for scoring and setting up teammates lifted the whole squad. Jackson earned player of the season and player of the month honors, which speaks volumes about his consistency and drive.

When your coaches and teammates recognize you with these awards, you’re not just a flash in the pan—you’re someone who keeps the bar high, season after season.

Key Milestones with Columbus Crew

Since Jackson joined the Columbus Crew, he’s faced new challenges and hit some big career milestones. He sports the number 13 jersey, and you’ll usually find him buzzing around the midfield, bringing creativity and a ton of energy.

You can follow his progress through his starts, assists, and those clutch plays in high-pressure games. These days, Jackson keeps getting regular minutes in Major League Soccer—honestly, that really shows how much he’s grown as a pro.

He’s even picked up national team call-ups during his journey with the Crew, and that’s definitely put a brighter spotlight on his club. Jackson adjusted quickly to the higher level, and if you’ve been watching, you probably agree he looks ready for whatever comes next.

If you want to dig into his current stats or see what he’s up to, check out his official Columbus Crew player profile.