2017 Columbus Crew SC Report Card: Week 3

Individual Grades:

Before we issue the match grade for the Columbus Crew SC, we will analyze and grade 3 key individual performances we feel impacted the match in one way or another.

Ola Kamara: B+ 

Ola Kamara scored one of the two goals against D.C. United in Saturday’s match, but both goals can be traced back to the dynamic forward drawing 2 penalty kicks.

The first of the two penalty kicks, Kamara diverted to Federico Higuain, who put the Crew SC up 1-0. The second penalty kick, Kamara took himself, and gave himself his 2nd goal of the season and Columbus’s 2nd goal of the match.

This was the first match this season Columbus put more than 1 point on the board, and Kamara should receive much of that credit.

Zack Steffen: A+ (Last Week: F)

There were a lot of impressive turnarounds in Week 2 (I see you, Pipa), but none were more noteworthy than young goalkeeper Zack Steffen’s. The keeper couldn’t seem to stop a shot last week against Houston, but the exact opposite was true in the nation’s capitol.

Steffen was a man-on-fire. He came up with 3 saves, and not one was a “gimme”. Each of his 3 saves were athletic marvels, and he controlled play whenever it came near the Black & Gold’s goal.

Columbus banked themselves 3 points against D.C., and they can thank Zack Steffen for the shut out.

Alex Crognale: A+

Player of the Week, anyone? For any of you who may have watched Saturday’s match and weren’t aware of Crognale, let me clarify something: Alex Crognale is not an experienced veteran, that Alex Crognale’s MLS debut.

Eleven clearances, three blocks, two saves, and an interception.

Last week, designated player and defender Jonathan Mensah received red card and had to miss the matchup in DC. Crognale was given the heavy responsibility of filling those boots. The 22 year-old Columbus native didn’t squander the opportunity, and was the name on every Crew SC fan’s lips coming out of Week 3.

Beating out veteran names like Harrison Afful, Federico Higuain, Ola Kamara, and Justin Meram, Alex Crognale landed himself “Man of the Match” in his debut.