Columbus Crew SC midfielder Ben Speas is a natural winner, a player that knows how to get the job done. He won back-to-back national titles in college, the first with the University of Akron and the second with the University of North Carolina. He won multiple national championships with the Crew Juniors at the U-20 level and this weekend he will get a chance to claim yet another piece of hardware, the MLS Cup.
The chance to play in Sunday’s championship is a special opportunity for Speas, who represents the true definition of a Homegrown player. The Stow, Ohio native spent his high school years in the Crew youth system before growing into a collegiate standout at two different programs. A likely top-five pick in the MLS SuperDraft, the Crew moved to sign Speas as the third Homegrown player in club history and arguably he has been one of the most successful.
“It has been an awesome experience,” Speas commented. “I grew up watching the Crew; they were my favorite team. It was exciting to sign as a Homegrown player. It was something, like this weekend, that I will never forget. This is my first MLS Cup. I’m excited for the chance to win a title with our hometown team.”
The weekend is clearly a great representation of players from Ohio, a testament to the work that is being done statewide when it comes to the beautiful game. Like Speas, Chad Barson, Matt Lampson, Wil Trapp, Ben Swanson, and Brad Stuver are natives of the Buckeye State. The Timbers have many of the same Ohio connections thanks to head coach Caleb Porter, who made a name for himself at Akron, and players like Michael Nanchoff, Darlington Nagbe, and Ben Zemanski.
Seeing former teammates and coaches and the prospect of facing them has not fazed Speas a bit. He remains focused on the task at hand. Speas was quick to acknowledge the calm and collected approach the team is taking towards the season’s biggest match.
“We are treating this as any other home game. Our goal is to win all of our home games. We will be prepared to play the game, staying focused on what we’ve done well this season.”
Getting a home match in the MLS final is an obvious advantage, even more so for a team with passionate supporters like Crew SC. Crew Stadium, more recently rebranded as MAPFRE Stadium, is known as one of the great fortresses of MLS soccer. Speas knows the credit goes to the team’s fans and the Nordecke.
“Our fans are always great. They are really incredible. They have supported us all year. It’s pretty cool that we can play the game in America’s first soccer-specific stadium in the 20th season of Major League Soccer.”
Speas has blossomed into a star in Columbus, widely regarded as one of the most promising midfielders in America’s top league. Just 24 years old, Speas already has 41 MLS matches under his belt. He is an athletic player that is technically strong and literally has unlimited potential.
Recently Speas found himself playing as a backup to Designated Player Federico Higuain, a renowned player with experience from around the globe. While every player wants to be on the field, he has made the best of the situation, learning from Higuain and other veterans on the team.
“It’s been a good experience. Higuain is a proven veteran. It’s nice to work with him everyday. ”
Speas is just waiting for his opportunity, for his chance to become the very best. It’s something he is truly capable of. He already has a handful of titles on his resume and could add another this weekend. This is a player that made his way through the U.S. youth national team program, collecting a plethora of awards, including Parade and NSCAA All-American honors, along the way.
Speas has certainly done Northeast Ohio proud. He has become an example for others to follow and an inspiration to many. This is an important weekend, perhaps the biggest moment of his career. Yet he approaches it with a great calm and a rich confidence that is truly refreshing. That is how great players approach the game.
Remember the name Ben Speas as it will be one you’ll hear again, one that may very well be a household name in the near future. He is “the next big thing” in MLS.
