The Columbus Crew were at the bottom of the Eastern Conference in August. Now, they could secure a spot in the Audi 2026 MLS Cup Playoffs before Decision Day.
The Crew continued their remarkable turnaround Saturday afternoon with a 3-0 victory over D.C. United at ScottsMiracle-Gro Field.
The win was Columbus' fifth straight and it brought them to 44 points, moving them past Orlando City and into eighth place in the Eastern Conference standings with one game remaining.
“Nothing but praise for this group for what they were able to do again,” interim head coach Laurent Courtois said. “It’s tough to approach this kind of game. The guys responded really well.”
Finding form
Just two months ago, the Crew looked to be out of the playoff picture. With seven wins in their last eight league matches, they are playing like one of the league’s most in-form teams.
Dylan Chambost again helped lead the way Saturday, setting up both first-half goals. The French midfielder assisted Sean Zawadzki’s 16th-minute opener before finding Anass Zaroury in the 41st.
A second-half own goal from D.C.'s Kimito Nono completed the scoring.
“Huge,” Courtois said when asked about Chambost’s performance. “He can elevate his level and be more impactful on both sides of the game. Really impressive.”
Chambost’s two assists followed his three-assist performance in last weekend’s 4–2 victory over Toronto FC, which earned him MLS Player of the Matchday honors.
Crucial reinforcements
The midseason arrivals of Designated Players Brais Méndez and Santiago Rodriguez have also helped transform Columbus’ attack.
Méndez entered the weekend with 5g/4a in 13 appearances after joining from LaLiga's Real Sociedad. Rodriguez, acquired from Botafogo, scored in Wednesday’s 2–0 win at FC Dallas.
Together with Chambost’s production, those additions have helped vault Columbus back into the realm of Eastern Conference contenders. In their recent form, they look like a team no one would want to face in the postseason.
After a busy few weeks, the Crew have a week to prepare for their Decision Day clash against Chicago Fire FC (4 pm ET | Apple TV).
In the meantime, they will turn to the role of spectators. Depending on Sunday's results, they could clinch a playoff berth this weekend.
