Prior to the start of the 2023 MLS SuperDraft, the Columbus Crew had only one draft slot in the first round with the No. 14 overall pick, which the team used to take forward Maximilian Arfsten. In a surprise turn of events, the Crew then acquired the No. 27 overall pick from the Houston Dynamo via a trade of $50,000 in General Allocation Money.
With the No. 27 pick, the Black & Gold selected defender Xavier Zengue. The 6-foot senior was a standout player for the University of Dayton and was named second-team All-Southeast Region in his final season with the Flyers.