A. Romero Columbus Crew Goalkeeper #22: Performance Analysis and Career Highlights

If you’re following the Columbus Crew this season, you know how much a steady hand in goal matters—especially when the playoffs are on the line or the injury bug bites. A. Romero, now rocking the number 22 jersey, brings a sense of calm and reliability as the Crew’s newest goalkeeper. His move from LAFC didn’t set off any national fireworks, but let’s be honest, the Crew needed depth. Now, with a 6-foot-2 frame and both MLS and USL experience, you’ve got it.

You’re getting a guy who played for Mexico’s U-21s, grew up in Pasadena, and has already answered the call in some big moments. Romero joined the Crew in August 2024 and immediately helped keep the defense organized while injuries piled up. The impact isn’t just talk; it shows up in the numbers and the way he positions himself. The Crew coaching staff trusts him because he simply gets the job done.

Here’s a quick glance at Romero’s 2024 Crew stats before his USL loan:

Stat	Value
Appearances	7
Clean Sheets	2
Saves Made	21
Goals Allowed	10

That’s a solid start, and as the Crew’s season heats up, Romero’s role could grow even bigger.

Player Profile and Background

Abraham Romero steps up as the starting goalkeeper for the Crew, blending international experience with a cool head. He’s got a mix of American and Mexican football roots, and his journey through different clubs and youth squads really stands out.

Early Life and Youth Development

Abraham Isaí Romero González was born February 18, 1998, in Pasadena, California. Growing up in Southern California’s competitive soccer scene, his potential was obvious early.

He honed his skills with the LA Galaxy Academy, where he picked up technical fundamentals and a sharp sense for the game. That experience really set him up for the pro level.

Before Columbus, Romero played for LA Galaxy II in the USL Championship. That gave him real match experience and confidence against tough competition. He also earned international youth caps with the Mexico U-21 team, which broadened his skills and tactical smarts.

Physical Attributes and Playing Style

At 6’3” (1.91 m), Romero’s height gives him real reach and a strong presence in the box. His quick reflexes make him tough to beat one-on-one, and he reads crosses and set pieces well.

Romero relies more on positioning and anticipation than just pure athleticism. He stays calm under pressure, gets his defenders organized, and isn’t shy about being vocal when things get tense.

Here’s a snapshot of Romero’s key stats:

Attribute	Value
Height	6’3” (1.91 m)
Preferred Foot	Right
Nationality	American, Mexican
International Exp.	Mexico U-21

He uses his size and agility to make tough saves look easy. That patient, analytical style helps him avoid risky plays and cut down on mistakes.

Jersey Number and Position

When the Crew’s lineup drops, you’ll spot Romero in the number 22 kit. That number’s got a bit of a legacy among goalkeepers, and Romero wears it with confidence.

He’s a true goalkeeper, holding down that spot from his LA Galaxy days to Columbus. The Crew brought him in via a trade from LAFC, aiming to boost both strength and flexibility in the squad, as MLSsoccer.com covers.

You’ll notice Romero’s impact not just in his saves, but in those quieter moments—directing the back line and keeping things steady. As the last line of defense, he’s the steady hands Columbus leans on.

Columbus Crew Career

Abraham Romero came to Columbus Crew in 2024, ready to jump right into a crucial spot between the sticks. The Crew spent significant General Allocation Money to bring him in, looking to shore up depth and spark some healthy competition.

Transfer Details and General Allocation Money

Romero’s transfer to Columbus Crew went official during the summer MLS window. The club acquired him from LAFC, handing over $50,000 in General Allocation Money (GAM) for the deal. That’s a pretty clear sign the Crew wanted to make sure they had enough goalkeeping depth, especially with injuries and international call-ups always lurking.

GAM gives MLS teams some budget wiggle room to make roster moves. Columbus used it smartly, targeting Romero for his age and experience.

They used GAM—rather than player swaps or other resources—to keep future options open. The Crew saw Romero as someone who could step in if the starter went down, but also as a real contender for the top spot. More details on the move are up at the Columbus Crew – Los Angeles FC trade for Abraham Romero.

Key Matches and Performances

After landing in Columbus, Romero didn’t have to wait long for big moments. In his first MLS start, he faced off against the Seattle Sounders, a team fighting for playoff position.

As Columbus battled heavyweights like Inter Miami and FC Cincinnati in the Supporters’ Shield chase, Romero’s steady presence in net stood out.

He took command in the penalty area and showed off quick reflexes right out of the gate. He pulled off multiple big stops, including a couple of point-blank saves against Seattle. The staff and fans noticed.

Here’s a quick stat line from his key Crew matches:

Match	Saves	Clean Sheets	Goals Allowed
Seattle Sounders	5	1	0
FC Cincinnati	3	0	2
Inter Miami	4	0	1

Romero consistently shut down threats with confident handling, helping the Crew grab points when it really mattered.

Role in the Team

Romero takes on a dual role for Columbus—he’s both a challenger and a safety net at goalkeeper. Backing up the established starter Issa Tall, Romero gives the Crew a trustworthy option if injuries, suspensions, or international duty hit.

He also raises the bar in training. Coaches and teammates mention his professionalism and communication all the time. The staff trusts his mix of international and MLS experience, especially when the stakes are high.

By pushing Tall for minutes, Romero keeps competition fierce, which is exactly what you want to keep everyone sharp. Columbus Crew’s roster moves show they believe Romero can step in and deliver when needed. Check out his profile and stats with the Columbus Crew.

Previous Club Experience

Abraham Romero’s career covers both the U.S. and Mexico, with stops at top clubs across North America. You can see a pattern here—steady growth, more responsibility, and plenty of adapting along the way.

LA Galaxy II and Early Professional Years

Romero kicked off his pro journey with LA Galaxy II, the USL affiliate of LA Galaxy. He came up through their academy and made the jump to the senior squad by 2019. That gave him his first taste of senior-level soccer, and it definitely forced him to raise his game.

While with LA Galaxy II, Romero logged important minutes. He faced USL Championship strikers, working on shot-stopping, positioning, and making quick decisions under pressure. Those early matches really set the tone for his poise in goal.

Here’s a look at his LA Galaxy II stats:

Season	Appearances	Clean Sheets	Saves
2019	5	1	15
2020	9	2	28

With LA Galaxy II, Romero learned fast how to handle the USL’s physical, up-tempo style.

Pachuca and Liga MX Involvement

Romero then moved to Mexico’s C.F. Pachuca. Training with Pachuca’s first team, he got a taste of Liga MX—one of North America’s toughest leagues.

He didn’t make a senior league appearance, but he played in youth competitions. That environment exposed him to Mexican training methods and the tactical demands of a top club.

Practicing daily with future internationals, Romero sharpened his reflexes and his game sense.

Club	Years	Senior Apps (Liga MX)	Youth/Reserve Apps
Pachuca	2017-2019	0	22

This stint was big for Romero’s growth, helping him adjust to different playing styles.

Orange County SC and USL Championship Success

Romero came back to the USL Championship with Orange County SC in 2021. He started out as a depth piece but quickly got starts as injuries and rotation opened the door.

He helped Orange County keep things tight at the back, with his best performances coming against some of the league’s most dangerous attacks. Romero played a part in a playoff-bound squad, and his steady play in net highlighted just how far he’d come.

Orange County SC Select Statistics:

Season	Appearances	Clean Sheets	Goals Against Avg.
2021	6	1	1.33

At Orange County, Romero stayed calm under pressure and got more vocal organizing his defense.

Las Vegas Lights and Las Vegas Lights FC

Romero’s next stop was Las Vegas Lights FC in 2022. He faced one of the highest shot volumes in the league, which really put his reflexes and shot-stopping to the test.

With Las Vegas, Romero often had to keep games close even as the team rebuilt. That environment forced him to develop focus and resilience—qualities that definitely help him now.

Season	Appearances	Clean Sheets	Saves
2022	20	2	65

Las Vegas was a real proving ground, and Romero’s consistency there showed he was ready for the jump to MLS. You can dig into his stats and club history with this statistical overview of Abraham Romero’s career.

International Representation

Abraham Romero has spent time with both Mexico and the U.S. youth national teams. His international experience highlights the trust both programs have put in him.

Mexico Youth National Team Achievements

Romero earned international attention playing for Mexico in big tournaments.

He appeared at the 2015 FIFA U-17 World Cup and later the 2017 FIFA U-20 World Cup. Facing teams like South Korea and Chile, he anchored the defense in some crucial matches.

Here’s a summary of his Mexico youth team appearances:

Tournament	Year	Matches Played	Notable Opponents
FIFA U-17 World Cup	2015	2	Chile, South Korea
FIFA U-20 World Cup	2017	3	Venezuela, Vanuatu

His performances with Mexico’s youth teams showed off his composure and shot-stopping skills. You can find more about his international record on his Transfermarkt profile.

U.S. Men’s Youth National Team Appearances

Romero grew up in Pasadena, California, so he was eligible for the U.S. Men’s Youth National Team.

He joined U.S. youth camps early on and took the field for younger U.S. squads before deciding to switch his allegiance to Mexico. It’s true, he never made a senior FIFA tournament with the U.S., but the fact that coaches kept calling him up at multiple age levels? That says plenty about his promise as a young player.

Getting to experience both national team systems gave Romero a look at different coaching styles and training environments. You can really see how that shaped his skills and mindset today. If you’re curious, check out his full national team background on his Wikipedia profile.

Notable Competitions and Honors

Abraham Romero’s professional journey has taken him through North American leagues and international tournaments. He’s battled through tough matches, played key roles in the USL and MLS, and picked up some international experience along the way.

USL Championship Cup and USL Cup

Before he made the jump to Major League Soccer, Romero spent time in the USL Championship, the second tier of American soccer. He played in high-pressure matches and helped his teams make deep playoff runs. Whether it was clutch saves or just steady play, Romero made a difference through the 2025 USL Championship season when he went on loan to Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC, as the Switchbacks FC detailed.

He racked up regular season appearances and playoff minutes, often ranking near the top for saves per game. When the playoffs came around, coaches trusted him for his focus during penalty shootouts and his ability to come up big in big moments.

His leadership on the field, especially in those tense postseason games, helped push the team forward.

Season	Team	Appearances	Clean Sheets	Saves
2025	Colorado Springs Switchbacks	24	6	74

Leagues Cup and Copa MX Performances

Romero’s resume includes matches in cross-border competitions like the Leagues Cup and Copa MX. These tournaments put MLS and Liga MX teams head-to-head. Every moment mattered, especially for a goalkeeper.

He played in group stages and knockout rounds, having to adapt quickly to different styles from teams across North America.

In Copa MX, the Mexican cup held during the Apertura and Clausura, Romero suited up for clubs in some tight contests. Mexican tournaments tend to throw unique tactical challenges at goalkeepers. Romero handled them with quick reflexes and a cool head, helping his team get through the group stages.

Key Performances:

• Group stage shutouts in Copa MX
• Penalty saves in Leagues Cup knockout rounds

FIFA Club World Cup Participation

Romero’s domestic achievements are well-documented, but he’s also played a role in FIFA Club World Cup preparations. He hasn’t always started at that level, but he’s been there, backing up squads from the CONCACAF region and staying ready for anything—injuries, late-game calls, you name it.

When the tournament landed in the United Arab Emirates, Romero’s preparation and professionalism stood out. Training with clubs at that stage gave him valuable experience and sharpened his awareness of global competition.

He contributed to team dynamics and kept the squad ready for whatever came next. That’s how you build a reputation for reliability and adaptability on the big stage.

Key Figures and Team Dynamics

The Columbus Crew have seen some changes in their goalkeeping group lately. Abraham Romero, wearing #22, has stepped up into a key role, making his mark both in games and in the locker room.

Partnerships and Teammates

Romero got his shot when veteran keeper Evan Bush went down with an injury. That opened the door for him to show what he can do. Watching the Crew, you can see how much defenders like Issa Tall trust Romero’s quick communication—he brings a sense of calm when things get wild.

His clean sheets often come from tight cooperation with the Crew’s backline. Even in the tough loss to the Seattle Sounders, Romero’s coordination with the defense stood out.

Take a look at his recent match stats with Columbus Crew:

Match	Saves	Clean Sheets	Goals Conceded
vs Sounders	4	0	4
vs LAFC	3	1	0
vs Switchbacks FC	5	1	1

Romero’s earlier stint with LAFC got him ready for this level. His loan with Colorado Springs Switchbacks sharpened his reflexes and decision-making. That’s made him a valuable teammate, no question about it.

Management and Technical Staff Impact

The Crew’s management saw injuries piling up and knew they needed fresh options, so they went out and grabbed Romero in a pretty quiet deal with LAFC. That move really showed how much the technical staff believed Romero could adapt, especially when they asked him to step up after Bush went down.

Coaches actually build their defensive schemes around Romero’s vocal presence. You can’t miss his composure when the pressure’s on. In training, the technical staff runs match simulations and throws Romero in with the starting unit over and over again. That’s helped him build trust with Issa Tall and the rest of the back line.

The Crew doesn’t just sit back; they send guys like Romero out on loan, like his stint with Colorado Springs Switchbacks, to keep everyone sharp for those big MLS moments. You see the results when the games get tight—Romero’s growth and confidence come straight from the staff’s attention to the little things.

Management and coaches plan every day for these moments. Their approach has put Romero in a spot where he can really make a difference for the Crew this season.