Sauro, Steffen earn MLS Team of the Week honors
Columbus Crew SC has started the 2019 season brightly, prevailing two primary 3 video games and incomes a draw in the season opener. This weekend, the Black & Gold defeated FC Dallas 1-zero at MAPFRE Stadium, the group’s second consecutive shutout of the year. On Monday, members of the Crew’s protection team were rewarded for their performance in the victory as the center back Gaston Sauro and goalkeeper Zack Steffen were named to the Major League Soccer Team of the Week. Sauro changed into a part of the “starting 11” even as Steffen was on the bench.
Both Sauro and Steffen have been instrumental in the win in opposition to Dallas. For the second time this season, the defender scored a purpose from a corner kick after Sauro made a near-put-up run and headed domestic Pedro Santos’ set-piece play in the 10th minute. After scoring the goal, Sauro turned vital in keeping the group’s 2nd shutout of the year, mainly directing all defenders in tackles and leading the Crew in clearances within the healthy. This is the second appearance at the MLS Team of the Week for Sauro, who also received those honors after scoring his first aim for the club in the 1-1 draw with the New York Red Bulls in Week 1. Despite gambling on what we now recognize is an injured knee to preserve him out of this week’s U.S.
Men’s National Team camp and out of motion for the Black & Gold this week, Steffen made two saves to assist Columbus to earn the victory. Last week ahead, Gyasi Zardes became named to the Team of the Week after scoring both goals in a 2-zero win over the New England Revolution. Head coach Caleb Porter was named the MLS Coach of the Week after directing his Crew to the wonderful Avenue win. The Crew is next in action on Saturday against the Philadelphia Union. The Black & Gold can be without Steffen (damage), midfielder Wil Trapp, and forward Gyasi Zardes (U.S. Men’s National Team call-ups) in addition to winger Justin Meram (Iraq) and defender Waylon Francis (Costa Rica). The game against the Union will kick off from Talen Energy Stadium at 7:30 p.m. ET on Saturday night.
