After a career season in 2017, the beginning of Justin Meram’s post-Columbus career has been rocky.



The playmaking winger was, for long stretches, the best Crew SC player last season. He reached career-high marks in games played (34) and goals (13) and added seven assists.



But in the offseason, Meram requested a trade.



He never revealed whether he wanted out of Columbus because of his contract, a disagreement with coach Gregg Berhalter or the possibility of relocation to Austin, Texas, but he confirmed multiple times that he wanted to leave.



“Everyone, in your life, you have moments (thinking) of what you want,” he said at the time.



Meram was traded away to Orlando City SC in January for a massive haul — $750,000 in targeted allocation money, $300,000 in general allocation money and an international roster spot.



Since his arrival in Orlando, Meram has been a shell of his 2017 self.



In 16 matches with...