Just four weeks into the young Major League Soccer regular season, Crew SC Homegrown Player and defender Alex Crognale is already drawing the attention of national and local entities. Following back-to-back appearances in Weeks 3 and 4 — both Crew SC wins with just two goals allowed — the Gahanna, Ohio, native featured on both MLSsoccer.com and in-studio on Columbus' alternative rock and Crew SC English-language radio broadcaster CD 102.5 FM on Tuesday.
Crognale was ranked in MLSsoccer.com senior editor Ben Baer's "Top 5 Homegrown Players to open the 2017 MLS season" after his 107-minute performances over the Black & Gold's last two games.
Baer strengthened his ranking of Crognale:
Crognale ably directed the backline, delivering multiple clean-sheet saving tackles in their 2-0 win at D.C. United on March 18. No surprise Berhalter found follow-up minutes for Crognale in Week 4, even with a full roster to throw out in Columbus' 3-2 win against the Timbers.
Following that up, Crognale joined CD 102.5 FM's Morning Show and Brian Phillips to talk Crew SC and this weekend's Week 5 showdown against Orlando City SC at MAPFRE Stadium.
The Black & Gold next host Orlando City on April 1 for a 4 p.m. ET kickoff at MAPFRE Stadium.
