COLUMBUS – Columbus Crew 2 announced today the signings of forward Immanuel Ewing, midfielder Jorge Salmeron and for forward O’Neal Taylor Jr. to MLS NEXT Pro contracts. Each of the players earned a promotion in the player pathway after spending time with Crew Academy, bringing the total to 10 Academy products currently signed to Crew 2.
“Each of the signings made this week is a testament to the success of our Academy, and we’re excited to watch them progress through our player pathway,” Academy Director Brian Bliss said. “All three players have earned this opportunity and are expected to contribute with Crew 2 in MLS NEXT Pro.”
Ewing joins the Capybaras after spending three seasons in the Academy. The 16-year-old contributed to the Academy’s first MLS NEXT Cup, helping the U18 team lift the U19 Championship in May. Ewing was named tournament MVP after scoring two goals, including one in the final against St. Louis CITY SC. Last season with the Academy, Ewing scored eight goals and added 14 assists in 28 appearances and just under 2,000 minutes.
The forward made his Crew 2 debut with a start on May 3 in the 3-1 victory over Inter Miami CF II. This season, he has totaled 231 minutes over nine appearances in MLS NEXT Pro play. Formerly of Albion SC Merced, the California native has taken the field four times for the United States Youth National Team, most recently for the U-16 team in an international friendly against Mexico on Nov. 18, 2024.
Salmeron signs with Crew 2 after joining the Academy in 2024. The midfielder has represented Mexico at the youth level, including appearing in all three of the U-16s matches at the 2026 Vertex Cup in Miami. In the 2025-26 season, Salmeron made 21 appearances (20 starts) with the Academy and boasted an 87% pass accuracy.
This season with Crew 2, Salmeron has totaled 107 minutes in four appearances. He made his first start in the Aug. 8 match against Red Bull New York II. The 16-year-old previously played with Albion SC Merced before heading to Columbus.
Taylor Jr. joined the Academy in 2025 and scored 10 goals with six assists in 22 appearances in his first season. Taylor Jr. made his Crew 2 debut in the March 8 season opener at Red Bull New York II. His first start came a few weeks later at Chattanooga FC, and he scored his first MLS NEXT Pro goal on April 11 in the 3-1 win over CT United FC.
The Liberian native has tallied 502 minutes in 15 appearances (six starts) in 2026, tallying one goal and one assist and 10 shots (six on target). Previously the forward was with Orlando City Seminole.
