Ghanaian youngster Edward Opoku has expressed his delight after scoring his debut goal for Columbus Crew in their 5-2 victory over Iwaki FC in the Pacific Rim Cup.
Opoku, 20, joined the Black & Gold as the 32nd pick in this year's edition of the MLS SuperDraft, becoming the fifth Ghanaian in the club ranks after Jonathan Mensah, Harrison Afful, Mohammed Abu and Lalas Abubakar, who was also drafted into the side last term.
The speedy poacher took no time to announce his arrival to the fans of the Ohio-based outfit by netting his debut strike in their pre-season Cup match against Iwaki FC of Japan.
Speaking to reporters after the match, the former Right to Dream Academy striker could not hide his joy over the goal he scored but pointed out he's ready to play any position coach Gregg Berhalter will demand from him in the course of the upcoming Major League Soccer season.
"It's amazing, absolute amazing feeling. You come to a great team like this and you expect to make an impact and to be able to get my first goal in this pre-season game is amazing and I feel good, I can’t wait for many more to come," says Opoku.
"I came to the team being an attacker but the coaches used me as a left back and I was through into it, and I will be open to learning from the position, but I trust the coaches and they know what they're doing and the only thing to do as a player is to be open and ready to go whenever the coaches call you."
"So, basically that my mentality going into the game just to be ready on the bench so when the coaches call me I will be able to be to do what I do best and give my all to the team, and that's what I did today."
Opoku was named Second-Team All-American and First-Team All-Region by NSCAA.
He bagged 16 goals and nine assists during his three seasons with the University of Virginia.
By: Reuben Obodai @ReubenObodai on twitter