It could be argued that Columbus Crew SC’s 2016 season was derailed by injuries.
With key players Federico Higuain and Gaston Sauro out for much of the year with various ailments, the Black & Gold struggled both offensively and defensively. The team did not have the cover necessary to withstand these absences and missed the postseason for the first time in three seasons.
A goal in 2017 was to not let this happen again. Like every offseason, head coach Gregg Berhalter sought talent, but this year he was able to hit the mark more than he had previously.