When the Columbus Crew used a third-round pick in January's MLS SuperDraft on South Florida midfielder Bernardo Anor, most wrote it off as a footnote on the day. Now, that pick could wind up being one of the steals of the draft.
Anor turned in a sparkling performance against the Houston Dynamo over the weekend, scoring a goal, assisting on another and drawing a second yellow card on Houston's Lovel Palmer to lift the Crew to a 2-0 victory. That performance was good enough for him to take home SBI's MLS Rookie of the Week award.
Anor, who battled injuries in his collegiate career but was one of college soccer's top attacking talents in 2010, flew under the radar at the draft after not participating in the combine. After spending time with the Crew's reserves, he was rewarded with his first-career start against the Dynamo, a decision that paid off for Columbus coach Robert Warzycha. Other rookies who stood out this past week along with Anor include his Crew teammate Justin Meram and Sporting Kansas City forward C.J. Sapong.
What did you think of Anor's performance? Think he's the real deal? Which other rookies stood out for you this past week in MLS?
Share your thoughts below.
Rich Balchan was also excellent as a holding mid against the Dynamo. Crew have some talented young guns.
Anor did Columbus’ #7 proud. That’s a heavy number to carry around here and he did it well with that game. Lets hope he keeps it up!
Robbie Rogers who? The Crew will be much better next year.
I don’t think Da Luz is a rookie. The draft class the crew had is starting to really pay off for them with three picks making good contributions.
da Luz?