S. Lapkes Columbus Crew Goalkeeper #41 Performance and Career Overview
Alright, let’s talk about Stanislav Lapkes. If you’re a Columbus Crew supporter, you’ve probably heard his name buzzing around already.
Lapkes, rocking the #41 jersey, is a young goalkeeper out of Belarus. He stands out thanks to his sharp reflexes and that cool, steady vibe in the box.
He’s the Crew’s latest Homegrown Player, and man, people are already talking about him as one of MLS’s rising stars.
Find the best accommodations
Check availability at 5* hotels, guest houses and apartments rated "superb" or "exceptional" by visitors just like you.
NO RESERVATION FEES
CHECK AVAILABILITY FOR YOUR DATES HERE
Columbus Crew signed Lapkes through 2027, with club options that could keep him around for two more years after that. He came up after three seasons in the MLS Next Pro setup.
At just 19, Lapkes made the jump from the Crew Academy to the first team. That puts him right in the mix with the club’s most promising young talents.
The Crew clearly trust this kid to guard the net at the highest level. If you’re a Crew fan, you’ll want to keep an eye on his progress as the season heats up.
Let’s check out some quick stats from his Crew 2 days:
| Season | Appearances | Clean Sheets |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 16 | 7 |
| 2024 | 19 | 9 |
Contents
Profile of Stanislav Lapkes
Stanislav Lapkes is a young goalkeeper making waves in Major League Soccer. He represents Columbus Crew with a rare calm and confidence for his age.
His background and size really shape his game and his upside.
Date of Birth and Place of Birth
Lapkes was born on March 3, 2006, in Minsk, Belarus. That’s not just a fun fact—it ties him to a family with some serious athletic chops.
His dad, Dmitry Lapkes, fenced for Belarus in the Olympics. That’s some pretty cool family history.
Lapkes started playing soccer at Dynamo Minsk’s academy when he was just six. Even then, he stood out and quickly grabbed the starting goalkeeper spot.
He moved to the U.S. in 2019, and that changed everything. After a trial, the Columbus Crew academy picked him up. You can dig into his early years at Wikipedia’s Stanislav Lapkes page.
Now he plays in the U.S. as a Belarusian citizen, showing how MLS rosters really benefit from that international flavor.
Physical Attributes
Lapkes stands tall—literally. He’s 1.94 meters (about 6’4”), which is a serious asset for any keeper.
That height gives him a big reach in the box and makes him tough to beat in the air or on close-range shots.
Here’s a quick look at his basic profile:
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Height | 1.94 m |
| Nationality | Belarusian |
| Position | Goalkeeper |
| Squad Number | 41 |
At 19, he’s already got the size and physical maturity you want in a pro keeper. When you watch him play, you’ll notice how his frame helps him move with confidence.
He’s definitely one to watch as he keeps developing. For more details, check out his Transfermarkt profile.
Career Overview
Stanislav Lapkes has become a name to know among young North American goalkeepers.
He started out with the Columbus Crew Academy, climbed through Crew 2, and now he’s on the Columbus Crew first team.
Early Development at Crew Academy
Maybe you first noticed Lapkes during his academy days. Born in Minsk, Belarus, he made the jump to the American soccer scene and fit right in.
He played with the Under-17s, picking up valuable experience in the MLS Next Cup Playoffs.
During those playoffs, Lapkes built a reputation for staying cool under pressure and making big saves. He helped his team reach the MLS Next Cup Final, showing leadership well beyond his years.
Coaches and scouts took notice of his poise in high-stakes matches.
He kept growing technically and mentally, earning a critical role with the club’s youth squads. That set him up for the next step.
Rise Through Columbus Crew 2
After his academy run, Lapkes became a regular with Crew 2 in MLS Next Pro. He grabbed the starting goalkeeper spot and held it down in both regular season and playoff games.
Statistically, Lapkes kept things steady. In 2023, he put up these numbers:
| Season | Matches Played | Clean Sheets | Saves |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 21 | 9 | 58 |
He really showed up in knockout games. Lapkes made key saves that pushed Crew 2 deep into the playoffs.
His anticipation and calmness made him one of the top young keepers in the league.
Professional Journey with Columbus Crew
Columbus Crew signed Lapkes to a homegrown contract through 2027, with options for 2028 and 2029. He became the Crew’s 23rd homegrown signing, wearing number 41.
That’s a big step for both Lapkes and the club.
With the first team, Lapkes backs up experienced MLS keepers but keeps fighting for minutes. He’s developing fast, and his knowledge of the Crew’s system makes him a valuable piece of the roster.
You’ll find more about his pro contract on the official club site and his stats at Transfermarkt.
Contract and Signing Details
Lapkes joined Columbus Crew as a homegrown goalkeeper, climbing up from Crew 2 and the Academy. The Crew locked him in with a contract that shows real faith in his future.
Homegrown Player Signing
When the Crew sign a guy like Lapkes as a homegrown player, you know they’re serious about developing local talent.
Lapkes joined Crew 2 on an amateur deal in May 2022. That gave him a taste of higher-level matches early on.
He made an immediate impact. In his Crew 2 debut, he posted a 3-0 clean sheet. At just 17, he became the youngest goalie to start in the MLS Next Pro Cup.
Signing him as a homegrown player was a key step, making him the Crew’s 23rd homegrown signing. For more on his development and the Crew’s homegrown approach, check out the official announcement.
Here’s a quick look at his path:
| Year | Team/Level | Notable Achievement |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | Crew 2 (Amateur Agreement) | Joined as amateur |
| 2023 | Crew 2 (MLSNEXTPRO) | 3-0 Clean Sheet in debut |
| 2023 | MLS Next Pro Cup | Youngest starting GK at age 17 |
| 2024-2027 | Columbus Crew (MLS) | Homegrown contract |
Three-Year Contract and Club Options
Lapkes signed a three-year professional contract with the Crew, covering the 2025, 2026, and 2027 seasons.
The deal includes club options for 2028 and 2029. That means the Crew can keep him around for up to five years after the initial term.
That’s pretty standard in MLS, especially for young guys with upside. It gives Lapkes some security, and the club keeps its options open if he keeps progressing—or if things don’t go as planned.
The contract details—length and options—were confirmed by mlssoccer.com.
Lapkes Contract Outline
- Length: 3 years (2025, 2026, 2027)
- Club Option Years: 2028, 2029
- Status: Homegrown Player Contract
This kind of structure shows the Crew see Lapkes as a key piece for the present and maybe the future. They’re giving themselves time to see if he develops into a long-term starter.
Performance and Achievements
Let’s get into why people are talking about S. Lapkes as a rising keeper for Columbus Crew.
He’s earned that buzz with big performances in high-pressure matches and a growing list of honors.
Key Competitions and Matches
Lapkes made his name with Crew 2, working through MLS Next Pro and earning a Homegrown Player contract.
He really shined during the MLS NEXT Cup. His quick reactions and confident saves helped Crew 2 in some big moments.
He played in important Eastern Conference finals, keeping his team in tight games and showing real poise under pressure. For a teenager, seeing minutes with the first team shows the trust the club has in him.
Here’s a look at his recent Crew 2 stats:
| Season | Appearances | Clean Sheets | Goals Against Avg. |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 19 | 10 | 0.95 |
| 2024 | 21 | 12 | 0.88 |
Lapkes keeps adapting to tougher competition, especially in matches that matter most. His clutch saves have made him a go-to guy when the pressure’s on.
Awards and Recognitions
The Crew officially signed Lapkes as a Homegrown Player through 2027, making him their 23rd homegrown signing. That says a lot about how much they believe in him.
He’s landed on several MLS NEXT Pro Team of the Matchday lists and was a finalist for best goalkeeper in the league in 2024. His clean sheet record in cup play stands out for someone his age.
Lapkes’s work ethic and shot-stopping in big games have earned praise from fans and coaches alike. He’s definitely a young player worth watching.
MLS Next Pro and Academy Highlights
Stanislav Lapkes has made a real mark as a young goalkeeper for Crew 2, thanks to steady play and big performances in tough tournaments.
His journey from the Crew Academy to the pro level includes all-star nods, awards, and battles against some of the best young talent around.
MLS Next Cup and All-Star Events
Let’s talk about Lapkes—he really showed what he’s made of during the MLS NEXT Cup, stepping up big-time for the Crew Academy Under-17 squad.
Back in 2022, Lapkes grabbed the Best Goalkeeper award in the U-17 MLS NEXT Cup Playoffs. That’s no small feat, considering the level of talent on display.
Coaches and scouts took notice. They picked Lapkes for the MLS NEXT All-Star Game, putting him right there with the country’s elite young players.
After he wrapped up his Academy run, Lapkes signed with Columbus Crew 2 at just 17. He jumped into the pro ranks in September 2023.
Here’s a quick rundown of his early tournament honors:
| Tournament | Year | Achievement |
|---|---|---|
| U-17 MLS NEXT Cup Playoffs | 2022 | Best Goalkeeper |
| MLS NEXT All-Star Game | 2022 | Selected Participant |
Notable Opponents and Matches
Lapkes isn’t afraid of a tough matchup. While with Crew Academy, he helped push his team all the way to the MLS NEXT Cup Final.
They faced off against youth powerhouses like Philadelphia Union and New England Revolution. Those matches forced Lapkes to stay alert and sharp—no easy saves, no easy days.
Since he joined Columbus Crew 2 in MLS NEXT Pro, Lapkes has taken on professional competition, including New England Revolution II.
He’s already racked up the second-most saves in the league this season. You can see why people keep talking about his quick reflexes and smart positioning—he’s gone toe-to-toe with some of the league’s best young attackers.
MLS All-Star Skills Challenge Participation
Lapkes earned a chance to show off his skills on a bigger stage at a mid-season event.
That selection says a lot about his steady progress and the respect he’s earned inside the Columbus Crew organization.
2024 MLS All-Star Skills Challenge
The 2024 MLS All-Star Skills Challenge lands in Columbus at Lower.com Field. Lapkes, just 18, will compete in the Goalie Wars contest—a fan favorite, let’s be honest.
This event throws shot-stoppers right into the fire, testing their reflexes, agility, and distribution in a head-to-head battle.
Lapkes will suit up for Crew 2 alongside other young MLS NEXT Pro keepers. You can catch all the action live on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV.
For Lapkes, it’s another big step forward and a sign he’s right up there with the league’s top young goalkeepers.
Key Event Details
| Event Name | Date | Venue | Featured Contest | Streaming Platform |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MLS All-Star Skills Challenge | July 23, 2024 | Lower.com Field | Goalie Wars | MLS Season Pass on Apple TV |
If you want more on Lapkes’ selection or the full event schedule, check out the Columbus Crew announcement.
Columbus Crew Goalkeeper Unit
Columbus Crew leans on a mix of youth and experience in their goalkeeper group. That blend keeps things steady and gives the coaching staff options when it matters most.
Goalkeeper Depth and Competition
Patrick Schulte anchors the position as the first team’s starter. He’s been reliable, making smart choices in goal.
Evan Bush, the veteran, brings leadership and a calming influence in the locker room. You can’t put a price on that kind of experience.
Nicholas Hagen and Abraham Romero add even more competition in training. Stanislav Lapkes, signed through 2027, keeps pushing for minutes after his strong Crew 2 showings.
The Crew sees Lapkes as ready for big-league action, and his fast rise just cranks up the competition for every spot.
Goalkeeper Roster Table:
| Name | Age | Club Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Patrick Schulte | 23 | Starter | First team mainstay |
| Evan Bush | 37 | Veteran/Backup | Experienced leader |
| Nicholas Hagen | 28 | Reserve | Competes for minutes |
| Abraham Romero | 26 | Reserve | Adds training depth |
| Stanislav Lapkes | 19 | Prospect | Homegrown, rising star |
Competition stays fierce, and every practice session pushes these keepers to get better and fight for their shot. For more on Lapkes and his Crew journey, swing by the Columbus Crew official site.
Representation and Management
Who represents S. Lapkes? It’s a big question—agents and agencies can shape a player’s entire path, both on and off the field.
Agency and Agent Overview
For young players like Lapkes, player agencies matter a lot in contract talks and making those first career moves.
Lapkes hasn’t listed his agent publicly, but plenty of MLS athletes work with big agencies like CAA Stellar—they handle some of the world’s top soccer talent.
Having the right representation is huge, especially when you’re signing those first big deals. Agencies like CAA Stellar help out with contract details, extensions, and club options—just like Lapkes’ deal with Columbus Crew, which runs through 2029.
They also help with off-field partnerships and personal branding, guiding young players through the ups and downs of pro sports. If you’re an international player, that kind of support is even more valuable.
Home Stadium and Community Presence
Lapkes pulls on the Columbus Crew jersey at a stadium that really captures the team’s spirit. You see him connecting with the Columbus community, not just on the pitch, but off it too.
Lower.com Field
Lower.com Field stands as the home of Columbus Crew, and wow, what a place for soccer. Right in the heart of the Arena District in downtown Columbus, this stadium packs in 20,000 fans who really know how to bring the noise on matchday.
You can feel the energy, especially behind the goal. The safe standing section? That spot gets rowdy and gives players like Lapkes a real boost.
Let’s run through a few highlights:
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Opened | July 2021 |
| Seating Capacity | 20,000 |
| Location | Arena District, Columbus, Ohio |
| Fan Section | Nordecke |
Lapkes shows up for team events all the time. He’s out there meeting with local kids, too.
Fans notice how often he connects with the Columbus community. When Lapkes steps onto Lower.com Field, he does more than play—he builds a real bond with supporters and the city’s youth.
