Let’s face it, Columbus Crew SC had a bad season last in 2016.
The Black & Gold finished with 36 points, third-worst in the league, and missed the MLS Cup Playoffs for the first time under head coach Gregg Berhalter.
Does that have a direct impact on this year? One major outlet appears to think so.
Injuries to to Designated Player Federico Higuain and center-back Gaston Sauro last season, along with the departure of Kei Kamara who led the team in goals the year prior, played a part in the disappointing season, but no one in the organization was happy with the finish.