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To walk into the defending MLS Cup champions house in their season opener and walk out winners requirers a great performances.
That’s what Columbus Crew SC got on Saturday in the 2-0 defeat of Toronto FC to open 2018.
On Monday, the Crew SC trio of Federico Higuain, Lalas Abubakar and Milton Valenzuela were named to the MLS Team of the Week for their performances in that match.
Congratulations to @LALASABUBAKAR1, Pipa, and Milton Valenzuela for being named to @MLS' Team of the Week! ⭐️⭐️⭐️
— Columbus Crew SC (@ColumbusCrewSC) March 5, 2018
➡️ https://t.co/oP7Us8R2yJ pic.twitter.com/xXt5yBqLOy
Higuain scored the opening goal of the game, and of the season, in the 44th minute and was, as usual, the offensive catalyst for Crew SC. Abubakar was a rock at the back for the Black & Gold, defending against the likes of Jozy Altidore and Sebastian Giovinco. Valenzuela, in his Columbus debut, looked solid as the left full back and registered the assist on Higuain’s goal.
Of note, Justin Meram earned MLS Team of the Week honors as well in his debut for Orlando City SC. Meram was traded to Orlando on Jan. 29 after he asked to be moved this offseason.