During halftime of Saturday’s 2-2 draw with Orlando City SC, Columbus Crew SC introduced newly acquired goalkeeper Zack Steffen, and defender Nicolai Naess to a sold-out crowd at MAPFRE Stadium.
The two young talents were acquired by the Black & Gold last week, and have had some time to take in the sights and sounds the city of Columbus has to offer. Along with that, both Steffen and Naess have met their new teammates, and said they are excited to take the next steps with the Eastern Conference club.
“I was in the locker room the first day I was down here, and its great. It’s some great guys, and they take care of me," Naess said.
“It’s nervous and exciting to meet new players, and to be on a new team. To settle in is the hardest part, but I know that they will welcome me in with open arms,” Steffen said.
Naess made his professional debut in 2012 for Norweigian topflight side Vålerenga, and spent more than three seasons with Stabaek prior to joining Crew SC. Sporting Director and Head Coach Gregg Berhalter described the 23-year-old as a physical and ambitious defender, who is a good passer out of the back. When asked about what the Black & Gold boss’ scouting report, Naess said, “he described me like I would describe myself.”
“I like to have the ball, and I like to play some passes, keep the ball on the ground and play good football; it’s perfect for me,” he added.
Steffen turned professional in 2014 by signing with German club SC Freiburg, where he played two seasons while also making appearances for the United Stated Men’s National Team Under-20 and Under-23 squads. The 21-year-old said having Assistant Coach Pat Onstad as a part of the Crew SC technical staff made it appealing for him to join the club, and that he looks forward to working with and learning from Onstad.
“I’m a young goalkeeper so I have a lot to work on," Steffen said. "I’m very excited to work with Pat because I know he knows a lot about the game and he had a very good career, so I’m excited to work with him."
