Ghana defender eager to win Cup for 'fantastic family' Columbus Crew

Harrison Afful arrived in Columbus midseason with one goal: to make a difference for his new club.

Since signing with Crew SC, the defender has had his sights set on winning the MLS Cup for the city that he now calls home.

Afful joined the Black & Gold after spending six seasons with ES Tunis in Tunisia.

The Ghanaian international says the adjustment has been easy thanks to his teammates and the club's supporters.

“So far, it’s been great,” Afful says. “I have to give all the thanks to God Almighty, because in a short time, I think I’ve proven myself to be part of this group, this fantastic family. I’m really happy to be here each and every day.”

In nine appearances since his debut on August 19 versus New York City FC, Afful has started every match and recorded two assists, one of which was the game-winner at Philadelphia.

It didn’t take long for him to get accustomed to his new team and Sporting Director and Head Coach Gregg Berhalter’s style of play.

“He’s come in with a great attitude,” Berhalter says. “The guys have accepted him really well, and he feels at home here. It’s a pleasure to see a guy adapt that quickly and really embrace our style of play.”

As a dangerous right back, Afful constantly pushes forward and gets involved in Crew SC’s attack.

Since his debut for the Black & Gold, the Ghanaian international leads all of MLS with 57 crosses from open play—12 more than the next closest player.

Although he says he’s a gifted soccer player, Afful attributes his relentless hustle on the pitch to his commitment to his supporters.

“In football, for a fan to even get money to buy a ticket, it’s not easy,” he says. “So you get connected, they come to the field and support you. You have to give them all that you have, put smiles on their faces, and then I think they will also be happy.”

Afful says performing for his team and making his supporters proud are his top priorities as a player. As he’s given a lot to his club and city already, Columbus has done the same for him. Coaches, teammates and supporters alike have embraced him since the day he arrived with his family in the Capital City.

“When you go to a country and there are nice people it’s really good, because you don’t always get that in life,” he says. “Being here is really great, and I’m thankful that my family is here with me. That makes it more enjoyable here. When you’re playing football, and your family is with you, I think it helps you perform for the club.”

Whether it’s with his family at home or his family on the pitch, Afful feels the support he needs to be successful.

And he wants to pay it back with the biggest piece of silverware in MLS.

“I love to play football,” he says. “That’s what got me here, and so far it’s been great and things are moving on very fast. Now, we are in the playoffs and we hope to do more and win a trophy for the club.”