Crew Review, Week 3: Cracks are showing

On the field: It was a humbling week.

• The Crew struggled mightily in the Concacaf Champions Cup opener, losing 3-0 to LAFC in a very one-sided match.
• Then Saturday, Columbus sputtered to a disappointing (and boring) scoreless draw at home against the Houston Dynamo, one of the weakest MLS teams.

State of play: Crew fans are going to hate this part of the season.

• Head coach Wilfried Nancy is a genius and there are still good players on the roster, but the team needs a multimillion-dollar savior or two — and one does not appear to be coming until the summer.

What to expect: Nancy is capable of winning some games with strategy rather than talent, but adjust your expectations — this won't be the best attack in the league or a Supporters' Shield contender.

• The goal this spring will be to hang on in league play while evaluating and developing some young players.

Threat level: A couple of serious injuries, particularly in the attack, could ruin the season.

• This Crew roster isn't just underpowered and unfinished — it's arguably the thinnest in MLS.

What's next: Tuesday night, it's Concacaf Champions Cup desperation time in Columbus.

• The 3-0 loss means the Crew need a 3-0 win just to force extra time, and must win by four if they allow a goal (thanks to the away goals tiebreaker) in order to advance to the quarterfinals.
• Then comes a trip back across the country to visit San Diego FC on Saturday.