The Columbus Crew advanced in the Major League Soccer playoffs on Thursday night, winning in a penalty shootout over Atlanta United FC.
The Crew did not allow a single goal in 120 minutes of soccer before the game went to penalty kicks, where Atlanta scored just once in its four tries.
Why is this important? Because it all happened with former Terp Zack Steffen in goal for Columbus.
Steffen had an excellent game for the Crew, recording eight saves during live action before making an additional two saves during the penalty shootout.
Definitivamente este es el héroe del partido es sin lugar a duda, ¡@zackstef_23! #ATLvCLB pic.twitter.com/GNn4wtso73
— Fútbol MLS (@futbolMLS) October 27, 2017
Steffen’s play earned praise from his former head coach.
So proud of @zackstef_23 tonight! Big time performance on a big stage. However, NOT surprised!Congrats to @mikeyambrose3 on a great season. — Sasho Cirovski (@SashoCirovski) October 27, 2017
Steffen spent two years playing for Maryland before leaving school after the 2014 season to play professionally with SC Freiburg in Germany. The former Terrapin then returned to the U.S. in 2016 and then was named Columbus’ starter this season.
Now, with the U.S. Men’s National Team in turmoil and looking to get younger, could Steffen be the answer in goal for the Americans? And could that reunite him with Cirovski?
