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Columbus Midfielder Urso Dead at 22

By Alicia Rodriguez
March 10, 2012; Denver, CO, USA; Urso died Saturday night, according to the Crew. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-US PRESSWIRE
March 10, 2012; Denver, CO, USA; Urso died Saturday night, according to the Crew. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-US PRESSWIRE

Terrible news to pass along today. Columbus Crew midfielder Kirk Urso died Saturday, according to a statement from the team. The rookie was just 22 years old, and the cause of death has not been publicly revealed.

Urso was selected 10th in the 2012 Supplemental Draft, and seemed to have a bright career ahead of him. He captained the University of North Carolina to their national title last fall, and started the first five games this season for the Crew. An injury slowed him down, however, and his last appearance was as a late substitution April 28 against Vancouver. He had surgery to address the injury and was reportedly undergoing rehab. Playing as a holding midfielder, Urso had one assist in his MLS career.

Although Urso was not one of the leading rookies in MLS this season, the news is a terrible shock to anybody who follows MLS. It is in times like these in which we must consider the fragility of life and the fact that MLS is still a pretty small family. Our thoughts go out to Urso's family and friends, as well as the Columbus Crew organization. Rest in peace, Kirk.