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The announcement of Columbus Crew SC’s secondary kits for the 2018 MLS season this Thursday was followed by a novelty coming from team captain Wil Trapp. The defensive midfielder used his social media accounts to tell his fans that he will be wearing Crew SC’s No. 6 jersey in 2018.
New year, making a change. #6 has always been an important number for me, and although #20 has a special place in my heart, I chose to make a change. For those who have supported me and the #20, I greatly appreciate you and hope this year is a special one in 2018! #CrewSC pic.twitter.com/qjV63ZX0f9
— William Trapp (@wil_trapp) January 4, 2018
Since he joined the Black & Gold as a Homegrown Player, in 2013, Trapp has worn the No. 20, with which he played his first 139 MLS matches in. Trapp wore No. 6 during his college time with the Akron Zips and also when he dressed for the U.S. National Team.
The captain likely wanted to wear No. 6 when he signed for Crew SC, but at the time his former midfielder partner Tony Tchani was already using it. After Tchani’s trade to the Vancouver Whitecaps, last March, the number became available again.
Trapp’s number change can already been seen on the roster page of Crew SC’s website and is apparently the only one that will happen in 2018 with all other players who were already part of the squad keeping the same numbers so far.
New signings Mike Grella and Jon Kempin do not have their jersey numbers assigned yet, but odds are they keep Nos. 13 and 22 which they wore with the New York Red Bulls and the LA Galaxy respectively, since both are available.