Columbus Crew captain Jonathan Mensah is confident of a bright future at the club after their disappointing exit from the MLS is Back tournament.
The Ghana international played a pivotal role in the Black and Golds campaign at the tournament, but their impressive ride in the competition came to a crashing end after suffering defeat on penalties to Minnesota United at the round of 16 stage.
Crew had not conceded any goal in the group stages, before Robin Lod's 18 minute goal for United in the elimination stages.
"Tough way to exit the tournament but so much to build on. We have a good team and with hard work and dedication, we can be a great team. Thank you to everyone for their massive support throughout this tournament," wrote Mensah on Twitter.
Tough way to exit the tournament but so much to build on. We have a good team and with hard work and dedication, we can be a great team. Thank you to everyone for their massive support throughout this tournament. #GodIsTheReason #ShineForChrist #Crew96 ?????? pic.twitter.com/gpNcY6aHTK
— Jonathan Mensah (@Jomens25) July 29, 2020
Mensah played every minute of the four games Crew played at the competition, and was one of the outstanding performers at the MLS is Back.
Teammate, Gyasi Zardes, who has a Ghanaian heritage scored the equalizer as the game ended 1-1, before the penalty shootouts.
Zardes felt the Ohio outfit were unlucky to lose to Minnesota United, but remains optimistic of the future.
Unlucky result last night. I am more than proud of the team we have. Let’s continue to learn and grow. I want to thank our supporters for all of their support! We keep going!! pic.twitter.com/yWY3nIEMzp
— Gyasi Zardes (@gyasinho) July 29, 2020
The MLS is Back tournament is a makeshift competition, replacing the regular Major League Soccer following the outbreak of COVID-19.
By Lukman Abdul Mumin