“So far, it’s been great. We are in good shape and everything is fine.”

It’s Harrison Afful’s second season with Crew SC, but after joining the Black & Gold on July 30 last year, it’s the defender's first time experiencing preseason with his club.

“So far I’m enjoying it and it’s been great; it’s been fun,” he says. “The new ones joined; everything is moving along very well. We’re more like a team, like a family.”

Crew SC signed four new players in the past two-and-a-half weeks, adding depth to its roster and increasing the level of competition within the team. It’s no secret preseason is about getting in shape and that means plenty of challenging drills. But pushing through tough training sessions with both new and familiar faces presents an opportunity. Spending five of the six weeks of camp outside of Columbus, preseason is a time to bond on and off the pitch.

“We have some off-time here, so it’s been great,” Afful says. “I think it’s also part of the game.”

The rightback says the team continues to work hard each and every day on the pitch, and that fervent work brings the guys closer together. Afful recognizes the importance of team chemistry and is glad he gets to experience this dynamic time with his teammates. However, the Ghanaian international doesn’t think participating in preseason makes or breaks a player’s performance throughout the year.

“Everything in football depends on you, the person,” he says. “You, the player, you have to focus; whether that’s coming in at the end of the season or starting with the team at the preseason, it doesn’t matter. You have to psych yourself up because it’s a big challenge that you’ve taken and you have to fight for that challenge.”

Afful overcame that challenge in his first season with the club, making an immediate impact and putting up impressive stats. He recorded two assists in just nine regular season matches, dating back to his debut in Black & Gold against New York City FC on August 19.

From the start Afful excelled in getting involved in Columbus’ attack. Since he joined the club, he led all of MLS with 57 crosses from open play—12 more than the next guy. Now the defender aims to build on that performance.

“Football is always about learning,” he says. “Each and every day you need to learn new stuff and listen to the technical staff. Then you keep going. You keep pushing up—even if you’re not going anywhere—keep pushing up, head’s up and make sure you do your best.”

As Afful sets his personal goals for the upcoming season, he only has one objective for his club.

“My expectation is just the one: just to win the trophy for the club," he says. "This year, we are ready and we are going to get that trophy for the club and for the city.”

As preseason continues, Afful already has his sights set on March 6.

“We are so ready. We can’t even wait for the season to start.”