Crew Midfielder Kirk Urso Passes Away

Crew MF Kirk Urso passed away overnight in Columbus, Ohio.

Very sad news out of Major League Soccer and the Columbus Crew organization this Sunday morning.  The club announced the passing of midfielder Kirk Urso.  He was a rookie out of the University of North Carolina, taken 10th in the last MLS Supplemental draft.  Urso was just 22 years old.

According to the club's statement, the circumstances surrounding his death are still being determined and no other information will be available at this time.  The Columbus Dispatch said that Columbus police were dispatched to Park Street Patio at 12:50 AM local time this morning.  Kirk Urso was transported to Grant Hospital, where he was pronounced deceased at 1:51 AM.

Urso was a 4 year starter and captain of the side at North Carolina.  He participated in the US National team at the youth level, including representing the USA at the FIFA U-17 World Cup in 2007.  He started the first five matches of the year for Columbus, but had not played since April 28 due to injury.

Real Salt Lake's Will Johnson, a friend of Urso's, had this to say on Twitter this morning: "I'll miss my friend Kirk Urso, can't believe he's gone. Rest peacefully Kirk, you will be sorely missed. #devastated. For those who didn't know him, came from a great family, always worked extremely hard and loved the game. He will be missed by so many." 

MLS Commissioner Don Garber also passed on his condolences and confirmed that the league will hold a moment of silence for Urso at it's two matches today in Portland and Seattle.

I personally want to pass on sincere condolences to Urso's family, friends, and the Columbus Crew organization.  I'm asking all my readers to take a just a second today and say a prayer for his family or pass on positive thoughts, whatever fits your particular belief.  This young man had a very bright future ahead of him, may he rest in peace.