With the fifth-overall selection in the 2017 MLS SuperDraft, Columbus Crew SC pick defender Lalas Abubakar out of the University of Dayton.
The 6-foot-1, 185-pound center back was a three-year contributor, playing 61 gamesm starting 60, scoring four goals and registering six assists.
Head coach and sporting director Gregg Berhalter said before the draft that he wanted to find players that could contribute this year and that’s what he believes he’s got with Abubakar.
“With Lalas, he’s a very competitive guy,” Berhalter said. “A lot of resiliency, very physically strong. We expect him to help out on the back line.