The most attentive Columbus Crew SC fans noticed an unusual presence on the team’s bench in last Saturday’s match against the Chicago Fire. For the first time this season, 22-year-old right back Connor Maloney was part of the Black & Gold’s game day roster in Bridgeview.
What might sound as a minor accomplishment for many had a special meaning for the 2017 third-round draft pick, who saw the field for only 127 minutes during his rookie season with Crew SC.
“As a rookie, it’s hard, you have your ups and downs, it’s a long season and you just wait for your opportunity,” the defender said about his first season as an MLS player.