Patrick Schulte was a significant contributor to Columbus Crew 2’s 2022 MLS NEXT Pro championship campaign, and his contributions appear to continue in Major League Soccer this spring.
Schulte registered his second clean sheet of the season as the Columbus Crew defeated D.C. United 2-0 at Audi Field on Saturday. The former Goalkeeper of the Year and MLS NEXT Pro Best XI selection in 2022 made four saves in the Crew’s third-consecutive league victory, helping Wilfried Nancy’s squad jump to fourth in the Eastern Conference standings.
Lucas Zelarayan’s 39th-minute penalty kick goal propelled the Crew in front 1-0 before Schulte delivered his first match save. Schulte dived to his left to deny Taxiarchis Fountas’ long-range attempt before the halftime whistle.
Another MLS NEXT Pro Class of 22’ player, Mo Farsi, had an assist in the 47th minute to Christian Ramirez’s low shot off that helped double the Crew’s lead to 2-0 and gave the visitors some breathing room.
D.C. United tried to force a comeback, but Schulte continued to contribute to the Crew. He once again denied Fountas on two separate attempts in the 68th and 83rd minutes of the match before receiving help from his crossbar in the dying moments.
Christian Benteke rattled the crossbar in the 90th minute before the Belgian international was also left frustrated in stoppage time as Schulte repelled his low header in the box.
The Crew held on for a 2-0 road victory, and the 22-year-old Schulte moved to 3-1-0 on the season.
Columbus will return to Lower.com Field on Matchday 8 to face second-place New England Revolution.
MLS NEXT Pro Class of 22 players getting action in MLS.
- Kyle Hiebert played the entire match for St. Louis CITY SC.
- After registering a brace last week, Simon Becher played 66 minutes for Whitecaps FC.
- Chris Donovan played 60 minutes for Philadelphia Union.
