Team-mates pay tribute to Urso

Although the cause of death has not been released, Franklin County Coroner Dr. Jan Gorniak said the 22-year-old was pronounced dead at 1.50am on Sunday morning at the Grant Medical Center, with an autopsy scheduled for Monday.

Columbus team-mate Chad Marshall wrote: "The guy could make you laugh with the greatest of ease. A tremendous talent taken way too soon. You are missed Kirk Urso. Rest in peace."

Crew midfielder Chris Birchall wrote: "Feeling numb by the passing away of a great team mate Kirk Urso last night. 22 and such a great guy, always smiling every single day!!"

Eric Gehrig added: "Locker neighbor and my chi-town brotha, RIP Kirk Urso. You were a great kid with a bright future. Hard to understand. Love ya man.#crew96."

Aaron Schoenfeld wrote: "Still shocked to have lost such a great friend. Thoughts and prayers are with Kirks family and friends. He will truly be missed by us all."

Dilly Duka wrote: "Hard to believe and hurts me to say this, #RIP Kirk Urso. Love you buddy.. Thoughts and prayers go out to his family."

The two MLS matches scheduled to take place on Sunday - Portland against Dallas and Seattle versus LA Galaxy - will go ahead with a minute's silence to remember Urso.

He signed for Columbus in March this year after being selected in the first round of the MLS Supplemental Draft and made six appearances for the club, although he had been sidelined since April after undergoing surgery for tendonitis.

A short statement on the club's official website, www.thecrew.com, read: "The Columbus Crew has learned that midfielder Kirk Urso has passed away on Saturday night.

"While the circumstances of Urso's passing are still being determined, no further comments will be made at this time.

"The thoughts and prayers of the entire Columbus Crew and Hunt Sports Group are with the Urso family in this time of need.''