This is a great idea for the challenge IMO. The subjects marching in unison sits well with your title. So what went wrong in terms of the voting?
The main thing that hits me is that the photo doesn't really pop out at me. Maybe working with your contrasting a little more may of helped that. You should of hit it a little more with the levels adjustment layer.
The other thing that really stands out to me is that the focus is a little soft. Maybe even having used a bigger DOF may of helped get all those feet in focus across the entire photo?
I think the crop you have used is fine. You stated that you needed to help with a cluttered background so you have done the right thing here to make it fit the challenge.
All up, I think the photo just lacked that bit of 'oompf' to help win the voters over a bit more and that is why it finished where it did. Keep at it and best of luck in future challenges.
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