In men’s soccer, unlike other major American sports, the pinnacle does not exist in the United States. If a player wants to be the best, he goes to play in one of the top leagues in Europe. Columbus Crew SC’s Zack Steffen knew long ago he was good enough to be a top American goalkeeper and, if he wanted to see out his true potential, Europe was going to be his destination.
First, though, came college. This was a time in life Stephanie and Derek, Steffen’s mother and stepfather, believed was important for their son to experience.