Columbus Crew News for Week 3 Matchup with Toronto: Lucas Zelarayan

ZELARAYAN NAMED TO MLSSOCCER.COM’S TEAM OF THE WEEK

Lucas Zelarayan’s performance against the San Jose Earthquakes saw the midfielder earn a starting spot in MLSSoccer.com’s Team of the Week for the second week in a row. The midfielder had previously been named to the Team of the Week following his one-goal, one-assist performance against Vancouver Whitecaps FC during Week 1. Last season, Zelarayan was named to MLSsoc-cer.com’s Team of the Week on six occasions (Weeks 4, 6, 12, 22, 33, 34).

ZELARAYAN ON FIVE-MATCH GOALSCORING STREAK

Midfielder Lucas Zelarayan is currently on a five-match goalscoring streak dating back to October 27 of 2021. Over that span, the midfielder has scored seven goals – three game-winning tallies – including one strike against Orlando City SC (October 27); two tallies against D.C. United (October 30); one goal against Chicago Fire FC (November 7); one tally against Vancouver Whitecaps FC (February 26); and two strikes against the San Jose Earthquakes (March 5). The playmaker has also provided three assists over that span – one game-winning as-sist – contributing to a total of 10 goals over his last five contests in MLS regular-season action.

FREE-KICK KING: LUCAS ZELARAYAN

With his free-kick goal against the San Jose Earth-quakes this past Saturday, Lucas Zelarayan brought his total to seven direct free-kick goals in MLS regular-sea-son action since the beginning of the 2020 season. Over that span, no other player has scored as many free-kick goals, with the midfielder scoring three more goals than the next closest team (Philadelphia Union). In addition to leading the League in regular-season free-kick goals, Zelarayan also leads the Crew in all-time regular-season free-kick goals.

ZELARAYAN MARKS 50TH REGULAR-SEASON APPEAR-ANCE IN MLS REGISTERS BRACE AGAINST THE SAN JOSE EARTHQUAKES

Lucas Zelarayan made his 50th regular-season ap-pearance for the Crew in Saturday’s in Saturday’s draw against the San Jose Earthquakes. The midfielder marked the occasion by registering a brace, as he scored his first in the 40th minute of the match from outside the box, before converting from a free kick in the 73rd minute. During the contest Zelarayan created four goalscoring changes, had four shots (four on target) and completed 40 passes. In 50 regular-season appearances (42 starts), Zelarayan has scored 21 goals while providing 12 assists.

ZELARAYAN TIED FOR FIRST PLACE IN GOLDEN BOOT RACE

With his brace against the San Jose Earthquakes on Sat-urday, Lucas Zelarayan brough his 2022 regular-season tally to three goals and one assist in two matches. The midfielder’s three strikes have him tied with Carlos Vela (Los Angeles FC), Lewis Morgan (New York Red Bulls) and Sebastian Driussi (Austin FC) for first place in the 2022 MLS Golden Boot race. For a breakdown of the current Golden Boot leaders including goals and assists, please see the table below.2022 MLS SEASON GOLDEN BOOT LEADERSPLAYER G AT-1. Sebastian Driussi (ATX) 3 2T-1. Lucas Zelarayan (CLB) 3 1T-1. Lewis Morgan (NYR) 3 1T-1. Carlos Vela (LFC) 3 0

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