COLUMBUS – The Columbus Crew announced on Monday that defender Yevhen Cheberko has been traded to LAFC in exchange for a 2026 international roster spot. The move comes after the Crew announced the acquisition of Brooks Lennon.

Cheberko joined the Black & Gold during the 2023 MLS season, helping the Crew to their third MLS Cup in franchise history. He featured in only six games (two starts) and played just under 200 minutes, but was a intricate piece to the Crew’s backline under Wilfried Nancy.

In 2024, Cheberko helped the Crew past LAFC in the Leagues Cup Final and was a mainstay in the Crew’s defense, appearing in 25 matches (17 starts) for 1,600+ minutes and one goal. Cheberko also helped the Columbus Crew reach the Concacaf Champions Cup Final for the first time in franchise history, before the Crew fell 3-0 to Pachuca. He was also named to the Champions Cup Best XI, tallying 10 steals and 11 clearances during the tournament.

During the 2025 season, the Melitopol, Ukraine native featured 30 times (25 starts) for Nancy and the Crew, maintaining his place in the Crew’s defense.

Cheberko featured in all three matches of the Club’s Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup tournament run. featured only seven times (two starts) for the Crew during the playoffs in his three-year tenure.

“Yevhen is a proven MLS defender with the versatility, technical quality and experience to strengthen our back line,” said LAFC Co-President & General Manager John Thorrington.

“He has competed at a high level throughout his career and understands what it takes to win. We are excited to welcome Yevhen to LAFC and believe he will be an important contributor as we continue competing for trophies on multiple fronts this season,” Thorrington added.