Is there a better method when creating a sword attack check?

Hi I'm creating a 2D platformer and intend for the player to have a sword attack animation.

I've been trying to use OnTriggerEnter when instantiating the sword in front of the player to check on another static "enemy" primitive.

 //swordAnim.js
 //applied to sword with animation prefab
 
 function Start () {
  animation.Play();
 }
 
 function Update () {
 Destroy(gameObject, 0.75);
 }
 
 function OnTriggerEnter(other : Collider)
 {
     if (other.tag == "enemy")
     {
         print("Enemy takes damage!");
     }
 }

 //playerControl.js
 //Here is the portion that instantiates the sword
 
 var swordInstant         : Transform;
 
 function Update () 
 {
     if (Input.GetButtonUp("Fire1"))
     {
         var swordClone : Transform;
         swordClone = Instantiate(swordInstant, transform.position, transform.rotation);
     }

So this script works when I simply drop a copy of the sword prefab and position it so that the swing hits the "enemy" but it doesn't work when instantiating the sword in front of the player. What am I missing? I read that I might have to use raycasthit? Is there a tutorial someone could recommend for what i'm trying to do?

Thanks in advance for any help.