Crew Review, Week 5: Treading water

On the field: Another scoreless draw at home, this time against NYCFC.

Between the lines: NYC is 8th in the East and no powerhouse, but in many ways this was one of the most difficult games the Crew will play this spring.

• Columbus was missing eight players for various reasons, including at least five regular starters.
• And yet they dominated possession, outshot NYC 23-5 and should have won.

Yes, but: It was an opportunity for coach Wilfried Nancy to assess youth, a key goal in this stage of the season.

• The Crew started one rookie and gave debuts to two more, including the second-youngest in team history.

Reality check: The team is thin and missing top-end talent, but still good enough to compete.

• That's just how it's going to be until the summer.

What we're watching: If the summer transfer window comes and goes without major signings, it'll be time for fans to get mad.

What's next: A Saturday visit to struggling D.C. United.