The Columbus Crew already had a difficult task in front of them, but things became even more complicated in recent days.
Down 4-2 after a blowout loss at home to the New England Revolution, Columbus had to win the second leg of their Eastern Conference Semifinals series by three goals in order to stay alive in the MLS Cup Playoffs, presented by AT&T. But injuries to Designated Player Federico Higuain, starting striker Aaron Schoenfeld and key substitute Bernardo Anor left Columbus without three of their main attacking weapons.
Without the trio, the Crew were soundly beaten, 3-1, and eliminated by a four-goal aggregate-goal margin. Afteward, head coach Gregg Berhalter couldn't deny the impact the missing players had on the match that ended Columbus' season.
"I don't want to make excuses for the team's performance, because I think we were capable of getting it done with the guys that we had," he said. "But it certainly hurts us when you're missing one of the best players in the league and your starting striker. And Bernardo scored six goals and has been a great player this year."
Rather than slotting attacking midfielder Ben Speas into Higuain's place – Speas had played the position multiple times this season – Berhalter chose right winger and recently-converted fullback Hector Jimenez for the role, a move he said had a lot to do with Speas not being in game shape.
"Obviously we were missing quality with Federico being out, but we felt like Hector, with him being able to penetrate behind the line and his ability to turn and pass, would be a good option," Berhalter said. "In Ben's case, we weren't sure whether he could carry on a whole game, so it was an option to have him on the bench and Hector in the starting role."
Midfielder Wil Trapp agreed that despite creating a plethora of chances at Gillette Stadium, the Crew felt Higuain's absence in a match that was never going to be easy for them given the uphill battle they had.
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"It's always difficult without a guy like that who's going to be dangerous, and they're always going to key on him," Trapp said. "But I still thought we did really well to create numerous chances in the first half. But the hardest thing in the game is to score a goal."
While Higuain's injury was only listed as a calf strain in the team's injury report, Berhalter said the team found out it was more serious and decided to leave him back in Columbus.
"An MRI revealed a tear, and there was no way he could have played with a tear," Berhalter stated. "The thought crossed my mind [to have him come to New England], but because of the fact that he's in a walking boot, it's not easy for him to travel."
Meanwhile, Anor was held back with a hip strain, while Berhalter said Schoenfeld picked up a "head injury" in training.
Andrew King covers the Columbus Crew for MLSsoccer.com.
