COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — Days after losing star striker Cucho Hernandez, the Columbus Crew will reportedly being saying goodbye to another goal scorer.

A source has confirmed a report that forward Christian Ramirez is expected to sign with the LA Galaxy, the defending MLS Cup champions. The 33-year-old has played the last two seasons with the Black & Gold and will suit up for his fifth different club in MLS.

Ramirez signed with the Crew in 2023 after two seasons in Scotland with Aberdeen and made an unforgettable impact that season. He played the role of super-sub in Columbus’ run to the MLS Cup title, scoring a game-winning extra time goal against Orlando City in the Eastern Conference semifinal. He immediately rushed back home from Florida for the birth of his son Kash.

Ramirez’s encore was another extra time winning goal against FC Cincinnati to make the MLS Cup final, which the team won 2-1 at Lower.com Field. He scored 21 goals for Columbus in 67 games in all competitions, winning two trophies. His final goal with the club was a stoppage time equalizer in the first round playoff match against the New York Red Bulls. Columbus lost the match on penalties.

The Crew will certainly be looking for new forwards after losing Hernandez, who signed with Spanish club Real Betis on Tuesday, and Ramirez this offseason. The likeliest starting attacking line for Columbus now is Diego Rossi, Jacen Russell-Rowe, and Max Arfsten. “The idea is to replace him [Hernandez] and this is what we are doing,” said Crew manager Wilfried Nancy.

Nancy said he is confident the Crew can sign new players before the season starts. Columbus’ 2025 campaign begins on Feb. 22 when they host the Chicago Fire in its MLS regular season opener. Ramirez’s first game with the Galaxy will be the following day against San Diego FC.