The stars aligned last Saturday, Sept. 1, at MAPFRE Stadium in more ways than one for Columbus Crew SC.
In addition to a 2-1 comeback victory to extend the Black & Gold’s home win streak to four and overall home record to 9-2-3, Saturday stood as the setting for Crew SC’s 15th goal scorer this season, the most under Sporting Director and Head Coach Gregg Berhalter; a perfect start to a month featuring three home matches; and the start of what could be a battle for a top three position in Major League Soccer's Eastern Conference, with New York City FC sitting just five points ahead of fourth-place Columbus with seven regular-season matches remaining.
Notably, however, was a trio of significant milestones that occurred on Saturday night, all revolving around the same number – 150.
Justin Meram
Meram, who tallied the game-winning goal over NYCFC with a far-post header in the 63rd minute, earned his 150th career MLS start. Since returning to the Black & Gold, the midfielder has made four regular-season appearances, including two starts. In all, Meram has totaled 192 career regular-season MLS appearances, including 135 starts, with the Club. Additionally, the Mesopotamian Lion has registered 39 goal and 36 assists for the Black & Gold since making his League debut in 2011. Meram became the Club's 15th goal scorer this season, with 16 marking the all-time Club record.
Zack Steffen
Steffen, who made his Crew SC debut on March 4, 2017, logged his 150th career MLS save - all with Crew SC - during the first half of Saturday’s match against the Blues. Steffen, who last year set records for most wins (17) and shutouts (11) by a Crew SC goalkeeper in his first year of play for the Club, increased his 2018 save total to 53 while logging his 10th win of the season. Steffen has played and started in 56 total regular-season games for Crew SC, while posting an overall regular-season record of 26-19-11. Currently, Steffen is on international duty with the United States Men’s National Team.
Wil Trapp
Trapp recorded his 150th career MLS and Crew SC appearance last weekend against NYCFC. In 147 regular-season starts, the 25-year-old Homegrown Player has scored two goals and provided 15 assists. This season, Trapp has made 23 appearances – all starts – while tallying one goal and one assist. Currently, Trapp is on international duty with the United States Men’s National Team.
Up next, Crew SC travels to Frisco, Texas, to take on FC Dallas on Saturday, Sept. 15 at 8 p.m. ET. The Black & Gold’s next home match takes place on Saturday, Sept. 22 against the Colorado Rapids as part of Hispanic Heritage Night.
