A fractured right shoulder will sideline Columbus Crew goalkeeper Will Hesmer for the entire MLS Cup Playoffs, putting the Crew's chances at a MLS Cup in doubt. Hesmer was injured during Sunday's regular season finale, a 3-1 win over Philadelphia, when he collided with Union defender Danny Califf. With the Crew out of substitutions, midfielder Eddie Gaven had to play the remaining ten minutes in goal.
Columbus Crew Goalkeeper Will Hesmer Out For Major League Soccer Playoffs
Hesmer was the Crew's starting goalkeeper in 2008 when he was a MLS Goalkeeper of the Year finalist and helped the Crew win both the Supporters Shield and MLS Cup. Last season, Hesmer had another strong season as Columbus won the Supporters Shield again before being stopped in the MLS Cup Playoffs by eventual MLS Cup winners, Real Salt Lake.
After spending the majority of the season atop the Eastern Conference, Columbus struggled in the final weeks as New York passed them to finish first in the conference. Sunday’s win over Philadelphia ended a six-match slide without a win for the Crew and now they will have to make due without their starting keeper.
Andy Gruenenbaum is likely to get the nod for the Crew in the postseason, as he has for the club in both US Open Cup and CONCACAF Champions League matches this season, where he held a .667 goals against average. Columbus will open their 2010 MLS Cup Playoffs with a two leg playoff versus the Colorado Rapids on the road before returning to Crew Stadium for the home leg.
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