COLUMBUS, OH – Columbus Crew announced that the club has loaned winger Alexandru Matan to Romanian club FC Rapid Bucuresti for the remainder of the 2022 MLS season, which is set to expire Dec. 31, 2022.
Just prior to joining the Black & Gold, MAtan made 56 appearances in Romania’s Ligue 1 and played a pivotal role with Viitorul Constanta win the 2018-19 Cupa Romaniei, the domestic league in his native country. Matan spent part of his 2019-2020 campaign on loan with FC Voluntari, where he made 26 apprearances recording one goal and two assists across all competitions.
Matan, 22, joined Columbus during the 2021 season. During that time, the Romanian international logged 792 minutes playing 28 games (nine starts). Although he was unable to register a goal or assist, the pacey winger was a presence on the field that fans took a liking to.
During his short 2022 campaign, Matan only registered 28 minutes appearing in six games for the first team.
He would spend time with Columbus Crew 2, the MLS Next Pro affiliate, but couldn’t find time there.
“Alex is a young player who needs consistent minutes on the field in order to continue his development,” said President and General Manager Tim Bezbatchenko. “This loan will give him the best opportunity to acheive that objective. We look forward to monitoring Alex’s progress during this loan over the coming months.”
What’s next?
Columbus Crew are on the road to take on Gyasi Zardes and the Colorado Rapids this Saturday from Dick’s Sporting Goods Park in Commerce City, Colorado.
