Caleb Porter unavailable to coach Crew vs. Orlando City, missing third straight game due to COVID-19
Jacob Myers
Crew coach Caleb Porter is missing a third straight game on Wednesday against Orlando City after testing positive for COVID-19 last week.
Porter was unavailable to coach the Crew at Nashville SC last Wednesday and on Saturday in a loss to New York Red Bulls. On Tuesday, Porter said he was no longer experiencing symptoms but was still testing positive.
Per Major League Soccer health and safety protocol, Porter must test negative twice before he can return to coaching the club in person.
Assistant coach Ezra Hendrickson will again serve as acting head coach for the third straight game.
Columbus Crew:Caleb Porter challenging players to improve mentality in final three games
The Crew are on the brink of elimination from the playoffs. At 38 points and five points behind the final playoff spot, if they lose against Orlando at home on Wednesday, it's possible they will be eliminated with two games to play.
Porter said Tuesday that it was challenging not to be with the team at this particular stage in the season. He has been conducting regular meetings with his staff and players virtually but has not been able to be there on the field during training or during matches.
"It's very difficult," Porter said. "It's painful to not, as the head coach, the leader of the team, to not be there to stimulate the players."
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