To the Abubakar goes the spoils

If there’s one thing that separates Columbus Crew SC this season from the prior four years under head coach Gregg Berhalter, it’s the defensive effort. Coming off three consecutive shutouts, it was another solid defensive performance that paved the way for a 1-0 victory at the New England Revolution on Saturday night.

Nine minutes into the contest, a cross from winger Niko Hansen fell to the feet of Designated Player Federico Higuain, but the attacker’s striker was well over the crossbar.

The first half went by without too many attacking chances for either team. With only a few minutes left in the second half, center back Lalas Abubakar put a headed effort on frame that was cleared off the…