It’s no secret Columbus Crew SC have been porous defensively the last few years.
Since Gregg Berhalter took over as sporting director and head coach, the Black & Gold have allowed 42 goals (2014), 53 goals (2015) and 58 goals (2016) respectively, all in a 34-game season.
Until last year, the defensive deficiencies of Berhalter’s attacking style — which encourages the wing backs to get forward often, leaving two true defenders and a midfielder to protect the goalkeeper — hadn’t cost the team. The first two seasons Crew SC made the MLS Cup Playoffs and in 2015, Columbus hosted the MLS Cup Final.