Columbus' home-opener started wonderfully thanks to Ethan Finlay, only for Chicago to tie in the second-half for a point apiece. (2:00)

Justin Meram has tripled his salary by signing a contract extension with Columbus Crew SC on Thursday, a source told ESPN FC.

Columbus did not reveal terms in its announcement of the deal, but the source said Meram's deal will pay him an average of $525,000 for each of the next three seasons, with an option for a fourth year at $725,000.

Last year, Meram made $175,000 in base salary and $185,000 in guaranteed compensation, while scoring five goals with 13 assists in 33 league appearances.

"This contract extension means a lot to me," Meram said. "Having this club believe in me for multiple years to come is something that throughout my career I've worked hard to achieve.

"It's definitely an honor to have this extension, but I'm not going to take my foot off the gas -- I'm going to strive for bigger and better things."