For the second time in seven supporter votes, Crew SC midfielder Justin Meram emerged as the Week 7 Acura Man of the Match. Winning previously after Week 5's victory over the Portland Timbers, Meram earned his second selection after scoring the game-winning goal — his team-leading fourth of the 2017 regular season — in April 15's, 2-1, win over Toronto FC.
The 28-year-old midfielder collected exactly 50 percent of the fan vote after cleaning up a 44th minute corner kick. His deft side-footed flick propelled the Black & Gold to their fourth win of the season and maintained the Club's unbeaten run at MAPFRE Stadium to four matches. Meram has scored all four of his goals and assists at home.
Just seven minutes after Ola Kamara equalized, Crew SC's growing pressure on the visiting Reds finally broke them. Federico Higuain took the corner kick just a minute before the halftime whistle, and Homegrown defender Alex Crognale nodded the delivery down into the 6-yard box. Meram nestled the ball neatly into the back of the net, cementing the eventual victory.
Fellow goal-scorer Kamara (17 percent) joined Higuain (14 percent) and ninth overall SuperDraft selection Niko Hansen (19 percent) — who assisted on Kamara's 37th minute goal — were also listed in the poll.
Columbus Crew SC next visits the New York Red Bulls on April 22 for a 7:30 p.m. ET kickoff. The Black & Gold return to MAPFRE Stadium on April 29 for a 7:30 p.m. ET kickoff against Andrea Pirlo, David Villa and New York City FC.
