When Columbus Crew SC lost to the New York Red Bulls in the Eastern Conference semifinals in early November, many reasonably thought that would be Zack Steffen’s last match with the club. After all, the 23-year-old goalkeeper had a stellar season with the Black & Gold, which catapulted him to the starting spot with the U.S. National Team and international teams, which had already approached the Crew during the season, would come back even stronger to acquire his services.
When the inevitable confirmation of Steffen’s selling happened earlier this week, though, it came with a piece of good news for the Black & Gold as the goalkeeper won’t join English Premier League giants Manchester City until July 9, when Major League Soccer’s Secondary Transfer Window opens.