After missing the MLS Cup Final, Nagbe, Santos primed for another title run in 2021

Greg Bartram-USA TODAY Sports It was roughly 72 hours prior to arguably the biggest game in the history of the Columbus Crew — it was certainly in the top three — on the evening of Thursday, Dec. 10 when the shocking news broke that would change the landscape of the fixture. Two of the Crew’s biggest stars, midfielder Darlington Nagbe and winger Pedro Santos tested positive for COVID-19 and would miss the match that both players worked tirelessly for months to reach. It was a devastating blow not only to head coach Caleb Porter and the players but the entire team and city of Columbus.

For Nagbe, a Cleveland-native and long time admirer of the Black & Gold who had already won two prior MLS…