No, it’s not the position in the standings — ninth in the Eastern Conference — or the 10-match winless streak, although those are issues too. It’s who can the Black & Gold play at left back this week when Columbus faces the New England Revolution.
When Waylon Francis went to the ground in obvious agony in the 53rd minute of Crew SC’s 3-3 draw with New York City FC last weekend, the problem only mounted.
During the offseason, Crew SC signed veteran left back Corey Ashe to provide depth at the position but the 30-year old has missed the last two matches with a knee injury.