RUNNING OUT OF TIME
Where’s the Crew’s fight? The verve? The joy?
Mathematically, the Columbus Crew have not been eliminated from the playoffs, but they look cooked after what happened Sunday in Philadelphia. They're like meat resting on a cutting board, waiting for a sharp knife.
A 3-0 loss cemented the Crew in 10th place in the Eastern Conference, six points below the playoff bar. They'd have to jump three teams to get above the bar. Stick a fork in them.
They have six games remaining — 18 points, potentially — and the final stretch of the MLS season is often volatile. The chance is always there. But there is little to nothing the Crew have done this season to indicate they are capable of a miracle.
After 28 games, it is clear the reigning MLS Cup champions are not good enough to get back into the playoffs and defend their title. Pity. It wasn't sup