Columbus Crew head coach and sporting director Gregg Berhalter has expressed satisfaction with Harrison Afful’s performance on his MLS debut.

The 29-year-old had to wait for three weeks after sealing his move on a free transfer to play his first official match.

Afful was handed a starting role but was replaced after an hour.

Berhalter admitted Afful was lacked the requisite match fitness but had some positives.

He said: “It’s tough for guys. We’re in full swing and he’s been off for a while and I think he hung in there. It’s not an easy job but he battled.

“Yeah, he made a couple of mistakes but he also had a lot of positive things. He showed some ability. Overall, I’m happy with him.”