Crew SC Homegrown Player and rookie defender Alex Crognale was voted the Acura Man of the Match after Saturday’s shutout against fellow Major League Soccer charter team, D.C. United, at RFK Stadium. Crew SC walked away victorious with a 2-0 win.
Crognale made his MLS and professional debut after a stellar collegiate career at the University of Maryland. Crognale was signed as a Homegrown Player on December 20, 2016 — avoiding the 2017 MLS SuperDraft — after developing within the Crew SC Academy, from 2010-13.
While playing the full 90 in the center of the backline, Crognale won three tackles — one of which against MLS veteran Lloyd Sam, a tricky winger with often-overpowering speed. Crognale was also credited with 27 successful passes and 11 clearances.
Out of 886 votes on Twitter, Crognale earned 39 percent. At the conclusion of the voting period, forward Ola Kamara finished with 26 percent, goalkeeper Zack Steffen with 20 percent, and midfielder Federico Higuain with 15 percent.