ZACK STEFFEN SETS EIGHTH-LONGEST REGULAR-SEASON SHUTOUT STREAK IN MLS HISTORY
Goalkeeper Zack Steffen’s shutout streak came to an end in the June 13 2-0 loss against Atlanta United FC, ending at 525 minutes. The streak dated back to a scoreless second half of a home match against the San Jose Earthquakes (April 28). Although Josef Martinez’s 30th-minute goal put an end to Steffen’s shutout streak, his streak is now the eighth-longest regular-season streak by a goalkeeper in MLS history, surpassing Kevin Hartman’s 521-minute streak, per the Elias Sports Bureau. Additionally, the streak is also the longest regular-season shutout record in Crew SC history. Since joining the Black & Gold in 2016, Steffen has made 48 regular-season appearances (all starts), making 128 saves and registering 16 shutouts.
FEDERICO HIGUAIN AMONG TOP PLAYMAKERS IN MLS
Through 17 matches in the 2018 MLS regular season, Federico Higuain leads the League in goal-scoring chances created, including assists. Per Opta, Higuain has created 57 goal-scoring chances since the beginning of the season, including seven assists, more than any other player in the League. Of his 57 goal-scoring chances, 31 have come from open play, tied for second-most in MLS behind only Diego Fagundez (36), while 26 have come from set plays, the most in the League. In addition to creating these goal-scoring chances, Higuain has also scored four goals to bring his 2018 output to four goals and seven assists in 17 regular-season appearances (16 starts).
BLACK & GOLD: PASSING THEIR WAY TO THE TOP
Through 17 matches in the 2018 MLS regular season, Crew SC is among the League leaders in multiple passing categories. In addition to leading MLS in attempted passes (8,514) and completed passes (7,052), the Black & Gold are also second when it comes to passes ending in the final third (2,217) - behind only Sporting Kansas City (2,781) - and third when it comes to passes in the opponent’s half (4,290) - behind only Sporting Kansas City (4,856) and Toronto FC (4,305). Additionally, Crew SC is in fourth place in each of the following categories: passing accuracy (82.83%), completed passes in the opponent’s half (3,249), and passes into the final third (973).
MILTON VALENZUELA AMONG BEST TACKLERS IN MLS
In just his first season in MLS, defender Milton Valenzuela is already among the best tacklers in the League. The 19-year-old has attempted 49 tackles in the 2018 MLS regular season, winning 32 of them. Valenzuela is ranked fifth in these categories among players in the League, and he also leads all Crew SC players in both categories. In 2018, Valenzuela has made 16 regular-season appearances (15 starts), registering one goal and two assists, including one game-winning assist.
CREW SC OFF TO BEST START UNDER SPORTING DIRECTOR AND HEAD COACH GREGG BERHALTER
Through 17 matches in the 2018 MLS regular season, Crew SC has already earned more points at this stage than in any of its previous four seasons under Sporting Director and Head Coach Gregg Berhalter. This year, Crew SC has posted a regular-season record of 7-4-6, scoring 22 goals while only allowing 16 goals for a goal differential of +6 through the first 17 matches of 2018. With their current record, the Black & Gold have set a new high in points (27) and goal differential (+6), equal their highest number of wins (seven), and set new records for fewest losses (four) and goals against (16) through the first 17 regular-season matches of a single season under Berhalter.
