For multiple months now, Columbus Crew SC fans have heard about players missing games and that being a reason for the team’s struggles.
It started with injuries. Milton Valenzuela was lost for the year before the season even started. Fullbacks Harrison Afful and Waylon Francis each missed extended time. Federico Higuain tore his ACL in May. The list goes on.
But following the 2-2 draw with New York City FC on June 1, goalkeeper Zack Steffen, midfielder and captain Wil Trapp, forward Gyasi Zardes and center back Jonathan Mensah all left for international duty.