(Sports Network) - Columbus Crew coach Sigi Schmid admitted it is "gut-check time" entering Saturday's game at the Kansas City Wizards. Since winning five straight from April 10 to May 12 to open the season 6-1, the Crew are winless in their last four matches. Columbus hasn't scored during its four-game skid and its scoreless streak has reached 367 minutes.

Columbus lost its last game at home, 2-0 to the expansion San Jose Earthquakes. Schmid thought the team played well in the loss, but the Crew need results.

"Obviously, we had chances," Schmid said. "So we're not catching any breaks."

Injuries have played a part in Columbus' skid, with the latest news that Adam Moffat will be lost for the season after undergoing ACL surgery. He scored the first goal in the Crew's 2-1 win over the Wizards on May 3.

Moffat and fellow midfielder Stefani Miglioranzi (quad strain), and defenders Ezra Hendrickson (groin strain) and Gino Padula (knee sprain) are all out for Saturday's game at CommunityAmerica Ballpark.

The losses on defense left Frankie Hejduk as the lone experienced defender in the loss to San Jose, but he will be with the United States national team for Sunday's 2010 World Cup qualifier against Barbados.

Schmid felt the new defense played well, but K.C. may be able to take advantage of Hejduk's absence and the injuries.

The Wizards. on a five-game winless run, are playing at home for the first time since April 12. K.C. tied Real Salt Lake, 0-0, in its last game.

Wizards coach Curt Onalfo still felt "our team competed very well."

Wizards goalie Kevin Hartman made seven saves in the final hour of the tie with Real Salt Lake to post his fourth shutout this season.

"He's been doing it all year. He's always been making key saves for us, being in the right spot at the right time, and that's why we pay him the big bucks," K.C. defender Jimmy Conrad said.

What Hartman can't do is score goals, although K.C. hasn't been quite as bad as Columbus recently. The Wizards have been shutout three times this year and have scored one goal or less in their last eight matches.

"We have to continue to try to be more effective offensively, and get more chances," Hartman said.



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