Through Week 9 of the 2017 Major League Soccer regular season, Columbus Crew SC has utilized four different starting center back pairings, with Homegrown Player and rookie defender Alex Crognale having made six appearances — including five starts. The 22-year-old Gahanna native started four of Crew SC's five matches in April, and his performances earned him Rookie of the Month honors from SBIsoccer.com.
In (Crew SC’s) other April win, a 2-1 conquest of Toronto FC at (MAPFRE) Stadium, Crognale recorded his first-career assist on the game-winning goal netted by Justin Meram in the 43rd minute. Unfortunately for Crognale, he was injured in the loss to the New York Red Bulls on April 22, as was early standout Artur, but despite leaving that match early, the 22-year-old let a lasting impact on the Crew throughout the last month.
Crognale beat out the likes of Nick Lima, Joshua Smith and Ian Harkes for April’s honors.
Crognale and Crew SC next face the New England Revolution this Saturday at MAPFRE Stadiumbefore a quick turnaround to host Toronto FC next Wednesday at MAPFRE Stadium.
