In a dramatic turn of events, the Columbus Crew faced not only their formidable opponents, CF Pachuca, but also a debilitating stomach illness that swept through the team just before the CONCACAF Champions Cup final. The Crew, who had shown tremendous resilience throughout the tournament, were handed a 3-0 defeat in Pachuca, Mexico.

Unforeseen Adversity Strikes Crew

Coach Wilfried Nancy disclosed that the troubles began on Friday morning, well before the match, when several players started showing symptoms of what was later suspected to be food poisoning. By Saturday evening, the illness had spread to almost the entire roster and coaching staff. "This is not an excuse," Nancy emphasized, "This is a fact that we didn't have the energy that we usually have."

Players Push Through Despite Illness

Midfielder Mo Farsi shared his personal struggle, stating that he felt the effects of the illness even before kickoff. "I was sick and I was feeling cold," Farsi said. "But for me, yeah it's an excuse, but I still gave 100%." The challenges were compounded by the high altitude of nearly 8,000 feet, a stark contrast to their home ground at Lower.com Field.

Tactical Analysis and Missed Opportunities

Despite the adverse conditions, Nancy critically evaluated the team's performance, pointing out issues such as weak attacking plays and avoidable goals conceded. He acknowledged Pachuca's superiority on the day, admitting, "Overall, Pachuca deserved to win."

Determination Amidst Hardship

The Crew’s determination to compete was evident, as Nancy revealed a conversation with the players about whether they should play despite their condition. "They wanted to compete no matter what," he said. "Because we know what we did to get here, but this is something we cannot control."

Looking Forward

This experience, while difficult, is a testament to the Crew's resolve and commitment. As they recover and reflect on this challenging final, the focus will shift to upcoming matches and the lessons learned from this ordeal. The Columbus Crew will undoubtedly use this experience to fuel their future endeavors, aiming for redemption and renewed strength.

Editor: Emiliia Morozova