2017 Columbus Crew SC Report Card: Week 8

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.

Zack Steffen: B+

Two goals were scored on Steffen Saturday night, one of which he fell flat (literally) for. The penalty kick was seemingly unstoppable however, as Steffen guessed right and got a solid hand on the ball, but the power behind the kick pushed it through.

However, the high grade comes from Zack Steffen’s five saves throughout the match. A lesser keeper could have seen the loss against the Red Bulls be much, much more embarrassing.

His five saves also landed him another Acura Man of the Match.

https://twitter.com/ColumbusCrewSC/status/856319571959197696

Niko Hansen: C

After getting the call for his second straight MLS start, the rookie failed to make a mark on Saturday’s match. With a goal scored in his first ever MLS match, and a beautiful assist in his first ever MLS start, the loss against the Red Bulls was the first time Hansen has failed to impact a match that he’s been a part of.

Obviously not every match is going to be your match, and the Red Bulls’ defense looked capable of shutting even the most crafty of veterans down.

Ola Kamara: C

Speaking of crafty veterans.

Three shots, but only one on target. The forward saw a few golden opportunities come his way during the match, but failed to capitalize in the Crew’s first scoreless match of the season.