Manager Peter Vermes has referenced it on multiple occasions in recent weeks.
Sporting Kansas City's current injury crisis—a total of 10 players were sidelined in Sunday's narrow 1-0 loss at D.C. United—has been the worst he's seen in 11 seasons at the helm.
If anyone is searching for numbers to back up his assertion, look no further than this: Sunday marked the first time in Vermes' decade-long managerial stint that Sporting dressed just 15 players for an MLS match.
The customary matchday squad consists of 18 players, with 11 starters plus seven subs available off the bench.