Ghanaian defender Lalas Abubakari is pleased to have finally made his Major Soccer League bow for Columbus Crew.

The 22-year-old played full throttle as the Crew recorded a 1-0 win at Minnesota United on Tuesday.

And the Ghanaian has expressed his delight after getting his chance.

“It’s really tough,” Abubakar said. “It’s really hard, all these troubles, not playing. But, I think part of it is the coaches. They kept telling me to be patient and that my time is going to come," he told the club's official website

So, I think that’s what I’ve used to help me keep going. And I take it as payoff today. [Crew SC Sporting Director and Head Coach Gregg Berhalter] finally gave me the opportunity to show it and I was able to do it, so, I’m really happy.”

The defender detailed an encounter he had with Berhalter on the eve of his first start with Columbus.

“All the coaches have done a great job, especially Gregg,” Abubakar said. “Yesterday, I remember after dinner he caught me 1-on-1. He didn’t say anything other than encouraging words.

"Which, after that, I thanked him and told him 'Coach, the confidence you give me right now, tomorrow I’m going to give everything for the club.'”