Player Details

Name

Alexandru Irinel Matan

Pronunciation

mah-TAHN

Height

5' 6"

Weight

135 lbs

Date of Birth

8.29.1999 (25)

Birthplace

Galati, Romania

Position

Midfielder

Position Detail

Attacking Midfielder

Preferred Side

Centre

Footedness

Right

Roster Category

Senior

Player Category

International, U22 Initiative
Career Summary

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Updated through December 13, 2023

Columbus (2023): Alex Matan made 31 appearances and 27 starts in his third season of MLS, scoring one goal and 11 assists. Matan made six playoff appearances for the Crew in 2023. He made his first start of the season against the Philadelphia Union (February 25). Matan collected his first assist of his MLS career the next match against D.C. United (March 4) in the home opener. The midfielder scored his first career MLS goal against Red Bull New York just two matches later (March 18). Matan would tally a career and team-high three assists in the Atlanta United match (March 25) which saw a 6-1 victory in favor of the Black & Gold. In the 2023 Leagues Cup, he scored his second goal of the year against Minnesota United (August 4). Matan would finish the season tied for first on the team in assists with 11 on the year, a career best. The Romanian would win his first MLS Cup with the Crew in 2023.

Columbus (2022): Matan appeared in six matches for the Crew in 2022. He was loaned to Romanian side Rapid București for the remainder of the 2022 season on August 9.

Columbus (2021): Alex Matan played in 28 matches and started nine in his first season in MLS. The Romanian made his MLS debut against Philadelphia (April 18). Matan earned his first start of his career against Toronto FC (May 12), playing 73 minutes.

Viitorul Constanta (2016-21): Matan made his professional debut at age 16 with the Romanian club in Liga 1. He would make 53 appearances and score three goals during his tenure including scoring in his debut from the PK spot. During the 2018 season, Matan made his debut in the UEFA Europa League in a 2-0 win. He was loaned out to fellow league club Voluntari for the remainder of the 2019-20 season where he appeared in 25 games.