Seven current Crew SC players were involved in goals during their Club debuts — either by scoring or assisting. Each shared their special story with us ...
Mike Grella entered as a 65th minute substitution for Niko Hansen Saturday's Crew SC - San Jose Earthquakes showdown with a knotted 1-1 scoreline. After a 17-month recovery from knee injuries and surgery, Grella made his debut for Crew SC.
Nearly 20 minutes later, midfielder Pedro Santos crossed the ball to Grella in the middle of the box, who took a couple touches before finding the back of the net for the fairytale game-winner. Grella was named to the bench for MLSsoccer.com's Team of the Week following his debut.
"It was surreal. I couldn't believe it was real life. Believe it or not, before coming into the game, I visualized and pictured scoring — I imagined it a bunch of times. I felt like I was ready for that moment. I was surprised, honestly, because I hadn't played a match feeling 100 percent in so, so long. It was unbelievable."
"I watched a lot of that match from the stands, the first hour of gameplay. I saw where the chances were falling and I learned a lot. I saw space in the box when we moved the ball from side to side. I knew if I applied myself correctly and got to the right place without hesitating, I'd get a chance. In that moment, it was pretty straightforward."
► Mike Grella
Gyasi Zardes GOAL vs. Toronto FC | March 3, 2018
During the first match of the 2018 regular season, Gyasi Zardes scored a goal while playing all 90 minutes during his debut with Crew SC. In the 46th minute, Pedro Santos sent a long ball down the field to Zardes who shot right past the defending MLS Cup champions for a goal.
"I remember Pedro played an absolutely amazing ball and I was able to be on the end of it to finish it. It means a lot. When you come in from another team and you're a striker, you want to prove yourself and get your first goal for your new team as quickly as possible. You want to start on a good note - I did that thanks to my teammates.
"That particular play was right time, right place. We trained for those situations and it worked out. It's a confidence booster to get the first one out of the way, celebrate and keep building."
► Gyasi Zardes
Milton Valenzuela ASSIST vs. Toronto FC | March 3, 2018
On March 3, Crew SC took on the defending MLS Cup champion Toronto FC in Toronto. Argentinian Milton Valenzuela made his debut appearance and start for Crew SC. He provided the game-winning assist while playing all 90 minutes. Artur sent a long cross toward the corner where Valenzuela settled it. He then passed to Federico Higuan for the game-winning goal. Valenzuela was named to MLSsoccer.com’s Team of the Week after his debut.
“It was very important, very nice. It gave me a lot of confidence to begin the season and I think it was very positive in terms of gaining confidence with the team ahead of what was to come, which was the rest of the season.
“Since the moment I arrived for preseason in Hawaii, I prepared mentally to adapt quickly to the team, as well as to prepare for the match against Toronto, which we knew would be difficult with them being the most recent champions. Well, I think we prepared well and went into the game ready.”
► Milton Valenzuela
Niko Hansen GOAL vs. Portland Timbers | March 25, 2017
In 2017, Niko Hansen made his debut for Crew SC against the Portland Timbers. Hansen came on as a substitute in the second half and scored his first career MLS goal and the game-winning goal in the 84th minute. After a shot from Ola Kamara was blocked, Hansen was in the right place to find the back of the net for Columbus.
"It was a lot of nerves at first. I got my number called and I knew I was ready; I was just so excited to get started. To score a goal, just makes it unforgettable.
"It was an amazing feeling. The whole week set up for it: we had a Wednesday game, a Sunday scrimmage and even a little Tuesday scrimmage and I was scoring goals in all those practices. I just needed a chance and I got it."
► Niko Hansen
Cristian Martinez GOAL vs. Philadelphia Union | June 1, 2016
After being acquired on-loan from Chorillo FC, Cristian Martinez made his debut appearance with Crew SC in June 2016. Martinez came on for Justin Meram in the 70th minute. In the 92nd minute, Ethan Finlay crossed from outside the box to Martinez who headed the ball into the goal.
“It was unforgettable for me because it was my first match and every player dreams of that kind of debut, scoring in your first match.
“I thought about my family, my future and I tried to do things with a peaceful mind and as best as possible.”►Cristian Martinez
Hector Jimenez ASSIST vs. D.C. United | March 8, 2014
Hector Jimenez debuted for Columbus in the club’s 2014 season opener. With a single touch, Jimenez provided the assist for the game-winning goal. Jimenez passed to Josh Williams who set Jairo Arrieta up for a perfectly placed goal.
"2014, wow. It felt so great because I was coming into a new group here in Columbus. When you can help be a part of a goal — especially the first goal of the season, like that one — it's a great feeling. Not just for yourself, but also for all your teammates; everyone is giving off positive vibes.
"It's great to start with a win like that too. It was a lot of preparation during preseason. That goal was a lot of (Sporting Director and Head Coach) Gregg Berhalter's system here — it was 1-touch passes and we got so many players involved in the goal and ultimately the win."
► Hector Jimenez
Federico Higuain ASSIST vs. Houston Dynamo | August 19, 2012
In 2012, Federico Higuain's love affair with Columbus officially began. Higuain debuted for Crew SC against Houston Dynamo as a substitution for Justin Meram. In the 58th minute, Higuain pitched a long ball from midfield to Eddie Gaven who finished the run with a shot straight into the back of the net.
“It was a beautiful feeling, because when one arrives at a club, one has the highest expectations, especially knowing the effort the Club – Columbus Crew SC – had made for me to come and play in MLS. I think the best way to pay it back is to perform well on the field. I think it’s always good to start off like that.”
“I think all players – when they debut at a club – they dream of the best, no? They dream of coming in, doing well, helping out the team – whether it’s with an assist, a goal or whatever – but anyway, in this case it worked out in the best way against a difficult opponent in Houston. Look, all players – whether it’s their debut or match No. 300 – they always enter the field hoping to go things well. Sometimes they work, other times they don’t, but the important thing is being consistent, working and knowing that that’s the only way of being able to perform well.”► Federico Higuain
