Few things are more prized on the field than dependability; that staple among the rotation who’s both efficient and effective.
In football, it’s the go-to guy in the slot. In basketball, the low-turnover guard. In soccer, it’s Wil Trapp.
The 25-year-old Crew SC captain, who’s currently on international duty with the U.S. Men’s National Team, is one of only three players in MLS to have completed for 3,500 passes over the last two seasons. Of those three, Trapp’s 89 percent passing accuracy ranks the highest.
As a defensive midfielder, Trapp effectively leads Crew SC’s transition effort and spacing with anticipation and vision (also, having one of the League’s best through-balls doesn’t hurt either).
Of all players in MLS, Trapp has the fifth-most successful passes in the opponent’s half over the last two seasons (1,804) and ranks eighth overall in most passes in the opponent’s half.
His ability to find the spaces to set up offensive attacks, whether as a cog in Crew SC’s midfielder wheel or with a more direct approach as a distributor, makes him one of the most seamless midfielders in the League today.
Take Trapp’s assist against Atlanta United earlier this season, for example.
Given United’s heavy pressure, Trapp steps into the passing late for an outlet and takes a quick look at the options ahead before receiving.
Knowing the opportunity for a 20-yard pass up the middle, Trapp shifts towards midfield to create the lane.
After a simple turn, Trapp draws the pressure, opens the lane, and delivers a no-look pass that instantly breaks through five Atlanta midfielders.
The result? A quick, well-placed strike from teammate Gyasi Zardes against a back-pedaling United defense and an under-prepared Brad Guzan.
One example is not enough to cement his legacy, but for Crew SC supporters, it’s simply an affirmation of what they’ve come to expect out of the Gahanna boy, and another reason why Trapp continues to earn caps and captaincies on the national level.
Following the international break, catch Crew SC in action on Sunday, Oct. 21, as the Black & Gold look to clinch a spot in the Audi 2018 MLS Cup Playoffs on the road against Orlando City SC.
Columbus then returns home for the regular-season finale against Minnesota United FC on Sunday, Oct. 28, as part of Decision Day.
