Photo courtesy of Philadelphia Union

There was always a belief Zack Steffen would someday be featured as PSP’s “player of the week.”

But it is a little surprising it comes as a member of the Columbus Crew.

The former Philadelphia Union youth product earned the honors after posting a clean sheet against DC United. He registered three saves, two of which can be seen here and here.

On the first, DC United created a chance at the edge of the box. José Ortiz and Lloyd Sam played some lovely give-and-go, resulting in Ortiz being sprung on the right. Steffen read the movement and did not hesitate to come off his line, taking away the angle and forcing Ortiz to try a little dink over the keeper. The Downingtown, PA. native was up to it, and stopped the chip.

The second was equally impressive. From a free kick, Patrick Nyarko was able to get a clean header. Making a tremendous reactionary save, Steffen dove to his left, got down, and used his left arm to keep United off the scoreboard.

The first choice in net for the 2015 CONCACAF U-20 championship and the 2015 FIFA U-20 World Cup in New Zealand, Steffen started his professional career with SC Freiburg in Germany, where he posted three shutouts in 14 appearances for SC Freiburg II. Last July, Columbus signed the 21-year-old who spent the remainder of the season on loan with the Pittsburgh Riverhounds.

This season, he has started all three matches for Columbus and is a big reason they earned their first win in the 2017 season.

Honorable Mention

Andre Blake. If not for the Jamaican international, the Philadelphia Union may be wondering what they missed with Steffen. Instead, Philly has the best goalkeeper in MLS. In a week where no outfield Union player played well, Blake shone brightly again. There is reason to believe, however, Blake will have games more deserving of “player of the week” in the near future.

Previous Winners

• Week of February 27 – Derrick Jones
• Week of March 6 – Christian Pulisic