S. Lapkes Columbus Crew Goalkeeper #41 Profile, Stats, and Career Overview

Alright folks, if you’re following the Columbus Crew, you’ve probably heard the buzz about S. Lapkes, the young goalkeeper rocking #41. Stanislav Lapkes hails from Belarus, and the Crew signed him as a Homegrown Player. He’s already turning heads with his sharp reflexes and that cool-under-fire attitude you love to see in a keeper.

At just 19, Lapkes is already making waves in Major League Soccer. Crew fans are watching closely, and honestly, it’s hard not to get excited about what he could become.

What stands out? Well, it’s not just the age—it’s how quickly he’s picked up the pace of pro soccer in the U.S. Lapkes joined the Crew Academy, moved up through Crew 2, and fought his way onto the main roster.

You can see his impact in games. His steady presence in the box really makes a difference, especially when the pressure’s on.

Here’s a quick look at some recent stats—numbers don’t lie:

Season	Appearances	Saves	Clean Sheets
2023	11	35	3
2024	TBD	N/A	N/A

Lapkes is a fresh face you’ll want to watch, whether you bleed black and gold or just love seeing young talent rise in MLS.

If you’re curious about his background and current role, the Columbus Crew website has plenty more.

Profile of S. Lapkes

Stanislav Lapkes, straight out of Belarus, now rocks the #41 jersey for Columbus Crew as a goalkeeper. His path goes from youth football in Minsk all the way to signing as a Homegrown Player with an MLS contender.

Background and Early Life

Lapkes started life in Minsk, Belarus, born March 3, 2006. Early football in Belarus gave him a solid base—technically and mentally.

He joined youth teams in Minsk and started building his skills as a keeper. The training was tough, the competition stiffer.

That environment shaped his disciplined approach to the position.

Moving from Belarus to the U.S. meant big adjustments for Lapkes. He switched from European youth setups to the American academy system.

Still, his Minsk roots fuel a lot of that drive and focus, both on and off the pitch.

Physical Attributes and Goalkeeping Style

Lapkes catches your eye with his reflexes and calm composure, especially when the game gets tense. He’s got an athletic frame and reacts fast—sometimes it feels like he’s everywhere at once.

His style? He keeps things direct. Lapkes commands his box, shouts out instructions, and keeps the back line organized.

He reads the play well and doesn’t panic under pressure.

Here’s a quick snapshot of his recent stats with Crew 2:

Season	Matches Started	Saves	Clean Sheets	Career High (Saves in a Game)
2023	11	35	3	7

Lapkes gives the defense confidence. His steady presence in goal has built real trust among his teammates.

Transition to the United States

Lapkes’ journey from Belarus to Columbus changed everything for him. In May 2022, he signed with Crew 2 on an amateur deal. That was a big leap from European soccer to the American game.

He made his U.S. pro debut with a clean sheet, helping Crew 2 notch a 3-0 win over New England Revolution II. That debut really showed how quickly he could adapt.

When Columbus signed him as a Homegrown Player through 2027, they made a statement about his potential. Lapkes now trains and competes in MLS—a bigger stage, bigger spotlight.

For a young keeper from Minsk, this path shows ambition and a steady climb. It’s part of the trend: international talent finding a home in American clubs. The trend’s growing, and Lapkes is right in the mix.

Columbus Crew and Squad Number #41

Lapkes’ arrival at Columbus Crew brought new energy and youth to the goalkeeper position. His climb from academy standout to the MLS roster is built on both talent and hard work.

Joining the Columbus Crew

Lapkes started in the Columbus Crew Academy, then made a splash with Crew 2. That quick rise through the ranks shows how much the Crew value homegrown talent.

He landed a Homegrown contract through the 2027 MLS season, with options for 2028 and 2029. That gives the Crew room to develop him as he grows into a first-team regular.

You can see how the Crew are using their academy-to-first-team pipeline by signing players like Lapkes. He’s part of a trend in MLS—local talents getting long-term deals and a real shot.

The club loves his size (1.94 m) and his commanding style in goal. That’s what you want in a modern MLS keeper.

Season	Club	League	Appearances	Clean Sheets
2024	Columbus Crew	MLS Next Pro	10	6
2025	Columbus Crew	MLS	3	1

Significance of Jersey Number 41

Lapkes wears #41, which isn’t your classic keeper number. But lately, you see more young players in MLS picking higher numbers when they break in through academies.

For Lapkes, #41 tells his story: Crew Academy, Crew 2, now the first team.

It’s a bridge from his developmental years to his spot with the Crew’s MLS squad. The club usually gives higher numbers to emerging players, and as Lapkes racks up minutes, #41 is gaining recognition.

Fans are catching on—#41 jerseys are popping up in the stands at Lower.com Field.

For young fans, seeing a homegrown player with his own unique number is pretty inspiring. It shows the path from local youth club to MLS is real.

Integration with First Team

Lapkes got a solid foundation with Crew 2, training alongside the Crew’s veteran keepers. Since moving up, he’s joined full first team training and traveled as a matchday backup.

He’s handled the jump to MLS pace well, thanks to support from the staff and experienced teammates.

Lapkes isn’t shy about communicating and organizing his defense. That leadership caught the coaches’ eyes early on.

He made his MLS debut in the 2025 season, picking up clean sheets and making big saves under pressure. The club trusts him—when they call his number, he’s ready, whether it’s a cup match or a league game.

If Lapkes keeps growing, he could push for more starts as 2027 gets closer. The Crew’s investment signals real belief in his ability to become a starting MLS keeper.

For more details on his stats and career, check out his Columbus Crew profile.

Homegrown Player Signing and Professional Contract

Stanislav Lapkes stands out as a big addition to the Columbus Crew as a homegrown player. His story through the club’s development system and his new contract show how Columbus is betting on young talent for the future.

Homegrown Player Pathway

Lapkes’ journey started in the Columbus Crew Academy as a teenager. He showed leadership early, especially for a goalkeeper.

He moved up to Crew 2 and signed his first pro contract in September 2023. By October, he was already the youngest starting goalkeeper in the MLS Next Pro Cup.

That Crew 2 performance set up his homegrown player signing. Lapkes became the Crew’s 23rd homegrown signing, which says a lot about the club’s focus on developing youth in-house.

This move is a big motivator for local young players. It proves that steady progress through the academy and reserve teams really does lead to first team chances.

For Columbus, developing homegrown players like Lapkes keeps the talent pipeline flowing.

Contract Details and Length

Lapkes signed a homegrown player contract with the Crew through the 2027 season. This three-year deal shows the club has faith in his ability as a young keeper.

The contract gives him a stable platform to grow his career.

Here’s a quick summary of Lapkes’ contract:

Contract Term	Details
Signing	Homegrown Player
Club	Columbus Crew
Position	Goalkeeper
Jersey Number	41
Start Year	2025
End Year	2027

Even at his age, Lapkes already competes for minutes in MLS. He got called up to the first team five times in 2024, though he didn’t make an official appearance yet.

The club is bringing him along slowly, giving him a secure deal and time to adjust.

Club Options and Future Prospects

After the first three years, Columbus Crew holds options for 2028 and 2029. That gives the club flexibility if Lapkes keeps progressing.

If he meets expectations, the Crew can keep him for up to five years. That’s a pretty solid long-term plan.

Lapkes’ progress will get close attention during his contract. If he keeps delivering, he’ll stay in the goalkeeper mix beyond 2027.

As an 18-year-old signing a multi-year deal, Lapkes is one to watch—Crew fans and coaches alike are following his journey. For more on his signing and contract, check out the official homegrown player signing announcement and his player profile.

Developmental Journey: Crew Academy, Crew 2, and MLS Next Pro

Stanislav Lapkes’ career is a great example of how a young keeper can rise from academy prospect to pro with grit and strong performances.

He launched his journey at the Crew Academy, took the next step with Crew 2, and made his mark in MLS Next Pro competition.

Rise Through Crew Academy

Let’s talk about Lapkes and his roots in the Crew Academy. There, it’s not just about athleticism—technical skills and discipline really matter, too.

The academy’s goal? Build future pros. They prep players for the grind of high-level soccer, both on the field and off it. Lapkes spent his days training in a focused, competitive environment, going up against some of the top youth talent in North America thanks to the MLS NEXT program.

Coaches ran daily sessions that hammered home shot-stopping, positioning, and leadership. You get a better sense of his journey when you realize Lapkes joined a system that’s already sent multiple players to the pros. He didn’t waste time—Lapkes climbed the ladder fast, earning his spot among the best keepers in his age group.

The Crew Academy didn’t just shape his technical game. They helped him develop composure, especially when the pressure ramped up in big tournaments like the MLS NEXT Cup.

Key Performances with Crew 2

When Lapkes stepped up to Crew 2, he entered MLS Next Pro and started bridging that gap between youth soccer and the first team. Here’s where you see not just development, but real, noticeable growth.

Lapkes logged minutes against older, tougher opponents, and that’s a true test for any young keeper. Crew 2 acts as a launchpad for the club’s brightest academy products.

He stacked up clean sheets and made some clutch saves, which earned him respect from coaches and fans. In those moments where poise was non-negotiable, Lapkes often came up big—especially during the MLS NEXT Pro Cup and those high-stakes playoff runs.

Check out these Crew 2 stats from his standout season:

Stat	Value
Appearances	16
Clean Sheets	7
Saves	48
Save Percentage	79%
Minutes Played	1440

Lapkes’ calm presence and quick reactions really marked his Crew 2 stint as a turning point.

Advancement via MLS Next Pro

MLS Next Pro launches, and suddenly all eyes are on how Lapkes would handle bigger expectations. This league is all about developing young talent, and Lapkes wasted no time adjusting to the faster pace and smarter attackers.

Throughout the MLS Next Pro season, he showed consistency, starting several matches for Crew 2. Pressure situations? He faced plenty, especially in the MLS NEXT Cup Playoffs.

Lapkes rose to the occasion with solid performances that showed just how much he’d grown since his academy days. The league’s setup gave him valuable minutes against both up-and-comers and seasoned vets, helping him sharpen those split-second decisions in the box.

He kept responding to every challenge and got himself ready for first-team soccer. The coaching staff started trusting him more and more. His time in MLS Next Pro put him right up there with the best young keepers looking to make that next big leap.

Career Highlights, Statistics, and Achievements

S. Lapkes is building a name as a promising young goalkeeper out of Belarus. He wears #41 for Columbus Crew, and honestly, his steady performances are starting to turn some heads.

Appearances and Clean Sheets

Let’s get to what matters—the numbers. Lapkes has notched several appearances for both Columbus Crew and Crew II since coming on board in 2024. He climbed the ranks quickly and featured in some key league and cup matches.

Here’s a quick look at his performance stats for the 2024 and 2025 seasons:

Season	Club	Appearances	Clean Sheets	Goals Allowed
2024	Crew II	12	4	12
2025	Columbus Crew	5	2	6

Lapkes’ clean sheet rate really highlights his quick reflexes and tactical awareness. He’s a steadying force at the back and rarely slips up. You’ll see him adjust quickly to the faster pace of MLS play.

Noteworthy Matches and Opponents

Lapkes made waves with his start against New England Revolution II in MLS NEXT Pro. Early in the season, he went up against a strong attack that loves testing young keepers.

In a tight match, Lapkes kept a clean sheet and made some huge saves late in the game. His anticipation and positioning stood out, especially when he broke up a 1-on-1 and stopped a sure goal.

He’s shown the same cool head against other top MLS Next Pro sides. Every outing boosted his value to the squad and made it clear he can handle high stakes matches—whether he’s starting or coming off the bench.

Awards and Recognitions

Lapkes, just 19, earned the title of Columbus Crew’s latest Homegrown Player. That’s a big deal—this label’s reserved for young talent raised in the club’s academy.

He’s picked up nominations for MLS NEXT Pro weekly honors after some standout defensive games. While he hasn’t grabbed league-wide awards or shattered records, coaches keep pointing to his work ethic and consistency in training.

For more on his career and achievements, check out the official Columbus Crew website.

All-Star and Skills Challenge Participation

Stas Lapkes, the Crew’s young goalkeeper, keeps piling up recognition for his impressive performances. His recent selections for big-time events really show how much he’s grown—and the impact he’s making.

MLS Next All-Star Game and All-Star Skills Challenge

When you see Lapkes at major league showcases, you know Crew talent is on the rise. At just 18, he got picked for the MLS All-Star Skills Challenge at Lower.com Field in Columbus. That event brings together top emerging talents for a night of individual contests and skills display.

Lapkes impressed everyone with his agility and sharp reflexes—no surprise he was a top pick for this. Fans could stream the competition on July 23, 2024, with MLS Season Pass on Apple TV. Scouts and fans pay close attention to the All-Star Skills Challenge, so just being there is a pretty big milestone.

Here’s a quick summary of Lapkes’ academy and Crew 2 play leading up to this event:

Season	Team	Appearances	Starts	Major Achievement
2022	Crew U-17	–	–	MLS NEXT Cup Finalist
2023-2024	Crew 2	35	35	Back-to-back Eastern Conference Finals

You can read more about Lapkes and his MLS All-Star Skills Challenge selection.

Goalie Wars and MLS Next All-Star Selections

Goalie Wars—what a fan favorite. It’s two keepers going head-to-head in a wild, fast-paced battle. Lapkes took on this challenge as part of the Skills Challenge, representing Crew 2.

The contest tests shot-stopping, distribution, and mental toughness in quick bursts. Lapkes’ selection really highlights how club academies like the Crew’s are developing keepers who are ready for the spotlight.

His journey from Crew Academy—where he helped the U-17s reach the MLS NEXT Cup final—to a pro contract with the Crew, it’s all part of a steady climb. Getting picked for Goalie Wars at the 2024 Skills Challenge put Lapkes on the national radar.

Events like these signal to Crew fans and scouts that this club is producing top talent. For more details on his participation, check out the Columbus Crew’s news release.

Representation, Management, and Off-the-Field Profile

There’s more to S. Lapkes than what you see between the posts. His representation, management, and off-field presence play a big role in shaping his career and future opportunities.

CAA Stellar and Player Representation

In pro soccer, having the right agency can change everything. S. Lapkes is managed by CAA Stellar, a global powerhouse in football representation.

CAA Stellar is known for guiding top players and securing solid club deals and endorsements. With them, Lapkes gets an edge in contract talks, personal branding, and career strategy.

This agency has helped other big names jump to major European leagues. Their connections open doors for Lapkes, both with clubs and in the commercial world.

CAA Stellar supports players off the field, too. Lapkes gets public relations guidance and media training, which helps him stay focused on performance.

Here’s what an agency like CAA Stellar usually brings to the table:

Category	Details
Contract Negotiation	Managed by experienced agents
Branding	Personalized marketing plan
Legal Support	Handling league compliance
Career Growth	Access to network of scouts

Transfermarkt and Media Presence

S. Lapkes has a growing digital footprint. On Transfermarkt, you can follow his career, stats, and transfer history.

His profile gets updated with league matches and transfer news. The site lists Lapkes as a Belarusian keeper and keeps tabs on his market value, appearances, and activity with Columbus Crew.

Reliable sites like Transfermarkt give fans and analysts a one-stop look at his season stats, record, and international eligibility. Media coverage—think ESPN, MLS, and others—also shapes how people see him.

With curated stats and fresh highlights, you can track Lapkes’s progress closely. This kind of digital presence is a must for any player looking to boost their visibility in the U.S. and beyond.

Stadium, Community Engagement, and Local Impact

S. Lapkes plays his home games at one of Major League Soccer’s most modern venues. You’ll see Crew players and staff working hard to make an impact that goes way beyond the field.

The connection between team, stadium, and local outreach is a big part of the Crew’s identity—and your matchday experience.

Home Stadium: Lower.com Field

If you’ve ever caught a Columbus Crew match, you know Lower.com Field. Since 2021, it’s been the club’s home in downtown Columbus.

The stadium packs in about 20,000 fans and was built for both comfort and excitement. You’ll notice sharp architecture, great sightlines, and a crowd that brings the energy every time.

Lower.com Field isn’t just a stadium—it’s a centerpiece in the Arena District, pulling fans from all over Ohio. There’s safe standing in the Nordecke for the diehards, family-friendly spots, and tons of food choices.

On big match days, the place is loud and electric.

Lower.com Field Stats

Feature	Details
Opened	2021
Capacity	~20,000
Location	Arena District, Columbus
Field Surface	Natural Grass

Community Involvement and Fan Engagement

You can spot the Crew all over Columbus. Players like Lapkes roll up to school visits and youth soccer events, making a real impact face-to-face.

The club recently dedicated mini-pitches at local schools. Take North Linden Elementary as an example—that’s true investment in the neighborhood, folks.

Crew staff throw open training sessions to the public and set up autograph signings. Youth clinics? Those bring pro players right to the kids, which is just awesome.

But hey, it’s not all about what happens on the field. The club jumps into local projects, fixing up urban spaces and backing education.

Fan groups like the Nordecke? They don’t sit on the sidelines. They join forces with the team, putting together food drives and charity events that really matter.

That kind of outreach? It’s the glue that makes every Crew match feel like something bigger than just a game.