Columbus Crew were toothless in a 3-0 loss in the CONCACAF Champions League final and it has been revealed that the squad was hit by a stomach bug.
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Columbus Crew lose 3-0 to PachucaNancy reveals stomach bug ahead of clashSays the entire squad suffered the day beforeWHAT HAPPENED?
The Major League Soccer side took on Pachuca at their home stadium Estadio Hidalgo and the hosts looked in control throughout the game as the Crew produced an uninspiring performance on their most important night of the season. It's not been revealed that Wilfred Nancy's squad had been hit by illness before the game.
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Speaking to the media after the loss, Nancy said: "This is not an excuse. This is a fact that we didn't have the energy that we usually have. So, it was weird, I will say, because we didn't know how to act with that. But they took medicine, and they gave everything."
On his players: "They wanted to compete no matter what. Because we know what we did to get here, but this is something we cannot control. We try to control many things, but on this one, this is the situation."
GettyTHE BIGGER PICTURE
Another potential reason for the Crew's total lack of energy throughout the game was described by midfielder Mo Farsi, who said that Estadio Hidalgo's extremely high altitude caused the players to feel more fatigued than they normally would. The stadium is situated at an altitude of 7960ft (2426m).
Farsi said: "I was sick and I was feeling cold. For me, yeah, it's an excuse, but I still gave 100%. And of course, altitude is hard, but I felt we played well. But it is what it is now."
WHAT NEXT FOR CREW?
Nancy's men know that they will have no time to waste as they look to return to domestic action in MLS. They will take on New York City on June 15 after a week and a half of rest.