Columbus Crew attacker David Accam believes the battle for playing time in the team has challenged him to lift his game.
The Ghana international is among the new faces with the Black and Gold this season having joined the club from Philadelphia Union in May.
On Saturday, he netted his second goal in seven Major League Soccer (MLS) appearances as Crew played out a 2-2 draw with Toronto FC.
"There is a lot of competition in the team, especially in the wing position," Accam said as reported by his club's official website.