Columbus Crew defender Lalas Abubakari expressed gratitude to coach Greg Berhalter after making his Major Soccer League debut on Tuesday.

The 22-year-old played full throttle as the Crew recorded a 1-0 win at Minnesota United on Tuesday.

Abubakari joined the Black and Gold this season during the super draft.

“It’s really tough,” Abubakar said. “It’s really hard, all these troubles, not playing. But, I think part of it is the coaches.

''They kept telling me to be patient and that my time is going to come. So, I think that’s what I’ve used to help me keep going. And I take it as payoff today. [Crew SC Sporting Director and Head Coach Gregg Berhalter] finally gave me the opportunity to show it and I was able to do it, so, I’m really happy.”