2017 Columbus Crew SC Report Card: Week 7

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

Attention defense fans:

Columbus Crew SC’s defense is fantastic this season. I give massive kudos to the back half of the pitch. The second half woes of 2016 seem to be long gone as this match marks the fifth straight match that Crew SC have allowed zero second half goals.

We are just 7 weeks into the season and I’m ready to throw the Crew SC defense a parade already.

With that being said, the individual grades this week are all offensive players. Sorry, defense fans.

Ola Kamara: A-

Ola Kamara scored the first of Crew SC’s goals off of a nice easy pass from Niko Hansen. With the goal against Toronto, Kamara has racked up 4 goals in 7 matches.

Kamara has kept himself as a real contender for the Golden Boot in the early season, but perhaps more importantly for Crew fans, Ola Kamara has twice the goals of former Striker Kei Kamara.

Ola also had a hand (or head) in the second goal, as his header off of the corner kick found Justin Meram and was converted into the winning goal of the match.

Justin Meram: A-

Justin Meram had 2 shots, both on goal, one of which found the back of the net for the game winner. The longest tenured Crew SC player continues to make his case as club MVP with 4 goals for the season and 2 assists.

Also, Meram was able to nab his second Acura Man of the Match for the season.

Niko Hansen: B+

Saturday’s matchup against Toronto FC was a big night for rookie Niko Hansen. The first round draft pick for Crew SC locked in his first ever MLS start and made the most of the opportunity with an assist in Crew SC’s first goal of the night.

It has been a big year for rookies in Columbus with standout performances from Hansen and defender Alex Crognale, who also got a slot in the starting XI with Mensah still out due to injury.