Columbus Crew: Eloy Room has become one of the best in the MLS
By Daniel Garza
Columbus Crew goalkeeper Eloy Room has become one of the best in MLS
The Columbus Crew have been a transformed club in 2020. After failing to qualify for the MLS Cup playoffs in 2019, they have risen back up to the top places in the Eastern Conference. Along with new additions to the club, there have been contributions from players who arrived last season. One of those players who arrived in 2019 was goalkeeper Eloy Room. The 31-year-old goalkeeper has been instrumental in helping get the Crew back to the playoffs.
Rising to the top
Room has statistically been one of the best goalkeepers in Major League Soccer this season. According to Football Reference, he ranks first in goals against per 90 minutes and clean sheet percentage. Additionally, he is in the top five in other statistical categories including second in save percentage and third in clean sheets. Room did not appear in the top 10 of any of the aforementioned categories in 2019. It really has been a turnaround 2020 season for the Crew goalkeeper.
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While Room has missed a few matches in 2020, his seven clean sheets in 15 appearances is a very impressive record. He registered one clean sheet in 12 appearances last season. These performances have been very integral in getting the Crew victories and a spot in the postseason. He will certainly do down as one of the best goalkeepers of the regular season.
A fantastic performance against the best in the east
One of the best examples of Room’s impact this season came in the Crew’s recent victory against the Philadelphia Union. Room made eight saves on nine shots faced and kept the Crew’s lead at 2-1 when the Union were in search of an equalizer. In the 89th and 93rd minutes, he came up with two big saves late in the match. Room’s performance led him to be named to the MLS Team of the Week. A strong performance against the best Eastern Conference club was certainly worthy of a Team of the Week selection.
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Playoff leader
Room will be one of the players the Crew will need to perform at their best during the playoffs. After his performance against the Union, the club should be encouraged that he’s the man who can help get them to an Eastern Conference final. He has yet to make an MLS Cup playoffs appearance but his experience playing in the Eredivisie has shown as he played against top talent in the Dutch top flight. His veteran presence only helps the club in their search for another MLS Cup.