It’s been a rough start to a professional career for Lalas Abubakar. The rookie out of the University of Dayton has yet to make an appearance for Columbus Crew SC after being drafted fifth overall in the 2017 MLS SuperDraft.
Three times this season, Abubakar has made the 18-man game day roster for the Black & Gold, including back-to-back games within the first three weeks of the year. But since the 3-2 loss to New York City FC on April 29, Lalas has spent more time on loan with Crew SC’s affiliate club, the Pittsburgh Riverhounds, than he has near the first-team lineup.