There are a lot of moving parts on a soccer field that make a difference in match results. It’s difficult to blame one specific area but comparing the Columbus Crew’s 2020 MLS Cup season with 2021’s failure, one difference was clear: the defense.
In 2020, a stout Black & Gold backline held opponents to 21 goals in 23 games and managed a shutout against the Seattle Sounders in a 3-0 MLS Cup Final victory. Compare that to 2021, when the Crew conceded 1.32 goals allowed per match in a season that saw Columbus one-point out of the playoffs.