The Crew will be without coach Wilfried Nancy for their game at Charlotte FC on Saturday night, as he was unable to make the trip due to illness, the club announced.
"Our club always emphasizes a 'we, not me' mentality and creating an environment where everyone is prepared to contribute and compete at a high level," Nancy said via a statement. "While I won't be on the sidelines tonight, I'm confident in our players and coaches and their ability to be focused on the task. I really liked the way we prepared this week, and everyone is ready physically and mentally for our match."
Nancy was with the team during practice this week but started to feel ill on Friday, the team said. He was still feeling too unwell to travel today.
Columbus has had to adjust to Nancy being missing from matches before, specifically last season after he received a red card during a July match against New York FC . The penalty led to MLS handing the coach a two-match suspension , which included 3-0 victory over FC Cincinnati .
No specific coach will be named to temporarily step into his role.
Along with Nancy, a few key players will be missing Saturday due to international play. Patrick Schulte and Aidan Morris received call-ups to the United State national U-23 team, while Jacen Russell-Rowe is represented the Candian national team in the CONCACAF Nations League. Goalkeeper Nicholas Hagen and midfielder Taha Habroune are also away for international play.
The Crew are 3-0-1 and tied with Inter Miami for first in the Eastern Conference. Kickoff against Charlotte is set for 7:30 p.m.
This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Columbus Crew's Wilfried Nancy absent for Charlotte FC match
