“Coming to this League, I knew I had to come and work hard. I knew it wasn’t going to be easy. I do it for the team. I want to be able to win.”
These are the words of Columbus Crew SC left-back Waylon Francis, who has become a force not only on defense but also on the attack since joining the Black & Gold as a Discovery Signing in November 2013.
“Coach Gregg [Berhalter] has taught me how to play that position very well,” Francis says. “I’m a very adaptable player, so I’ve worked hard to be where I want to be. Gregg has told me to push up when I can and I have to defend when I can, so that’s what I do.”
When the Costa Rican pushes up, he has a noticeable impact on Crew SC’s attack. Leading MLS among defenders with six assists, three of those amounting to game-winners, Francis' stat lines are a testament to his work ethic.
“Me contributing to the team, that’s what I try to do every single game. I’m glad those stats are the way they are, but I want to try to do that every single game to try to help the group,” Francis says. “With my performance, working hard, and trying to assist for the goals, it’s very important for our wins and very positive for the team.”
Francis may actually be understating his importance to the team. Consider this: Crew SC hasn’t lost a match this season when the defender notches an assist, tallying a 5-0-1 record, in those six games.
The defender's performances have been noticed around the League. He’s been appointed to MLS Team of the Week twice this season and has earned Latino of the Week honors once.
“It means a lot to be nominated in those things, but my hard work is paying off. Not only for the club and MLS, but to be able to move onto the next step, which is to play for my national team, which is very important for me as well,” the Costa Rican says. “The hard work and being nominated is great, but every day I put in the hard work to achieve my goals.”
Francis has made two appearances for Los Ticos so far and takes pride in his international duty. He renders the same amount of heart in playing for Columbus.
Francis shares his unwavering work ethic with Crew SC teammate Kei Kamara, who currently leads the League with 14 goals. Five of those goals have come per Francis delivery. With all but one of his assists this season hitting his target forward, Francis credits their chemistry on the field.
“First of all, I want to say Kei’s a great player. It’s not that I don’t look for the other players, but him and I have been clicking throughout the year,” Francis says of their successful combination play. “He’s a great player, he goes for the ball, he knows I’m going to have a good cross for him, and he looks for every single ball that I have at my feet.”
So long as Francis continues his clutch crossing for his Columbus teammates, the Black & Gold can expect gratifying results.
