The Legend Of Zach Steffen Grows

Zach Steffen willed the Crew to a 1-0 victory at home against the New York Red Bulls Sunday evening. While Zach was supported by a fiery showing from the 10 men in front of him, Steffen defended his box with poise and the reaction speed only akin to felines. Without Steffen’s 92^nd minute save of a crafty header from the Red Bulls, the Crew would have traded a victory for a tie. Steffen’s heroics this season have often been the difference maker as his team thrives on counter-attacks that often come after his remarkable saves.

Steffen had been coming off of an exceptional performance against DC United where he remained stellar during penalty kicks.  Steffen and his teammates have fed off of each other and supported each other during difficult stretches of offensive ineptitude or equally baffling miscues, like when Steffen failed to corral a cross that resulted in a DC United go-ahead goal. Steffen’s teammates were able to quickly equalize with a goal and then take the lead in extra time before another goal sent the game to kicks.

Earlier this Summer Zach Steffen was the target of Bristol City for a transfer but he and the team declined given that the timing wasn’t right. The Crew were in the heat of a custody battle where they played the part of the child as Precourt Sports Ventures sought to move the Crew from Columbus to Austin. Steffen wanted to stick around to be with his team during whatever happened.

The Crew have been as resilient on the field as their supporters’ group has been off of it. What looked in late August as a team that might lose its playoff hopes and its home, has turned out to be a team that will remain in Columbus and will remain in the playoffs.  Steffen was at the helm of a Crew SC team last year that found out about the founding MLS team’s possible relocation weeks before facing a raucous crowd in Atlanta, a city whose MLS history is just being written. Steffen and the Crew pressed on and won in penalties like this year against DC. Unlike last year, the uncertainty about the Crew is all but gone, but its legendary and resolute keeper are here to stay.

Tune in this upcoming Sunday to see more of the legend of Zach Steffen.