The slumping Columbus Crew lost to host Chicago Fire on Saturday but still clinched a playoff berth in the Eastern Conference.
Although the Crew (13-8-11, 50 points) have just one win in their past seven matches, they secured a spot just after halftime of their match when New York City FC’s 3-2 win over the New York Red Bulls went final.
The Fire (14-11-6, 48 points) may have a say in the Crew’s postseason plans. Chicago can overtake the eighth-place Crew with a win at Inter Miami on Tuesday to make up its match in hand as the Fire closes in on their first playoff appearance since 2017. The No. 8 seed hosts the No. 9 seed in a knockout Wild Card match.
On Saturday, Chicago got a 25th-minute goal from Andrew Gutman and 70th-minute tally by Hugo Cypers, his 17th. Chris Brady made two saves for his fifth shutout of the season as the Fire defeated the Crew for the first time in nine matches since May 15, 2021.
The injury-riddled Crew made several lineup changes, most notably Evan Bush replacing benched U.S national team goalkeeper Patrick Schulte, but the result was a shaky first-half performance.
The Crew’s struggles were best illustrated by 2024 MLS Defender of the Year Steven Moreira committing three unforced giveaways in the first 25 minutes.
Fortunately for him, none resulted in goals. But there wasn’t much the Crew could do on Gutman’s wicked shot for his third goal of the season.
He took an outlet from Jack Elliott down the left flank and, from outside the box at a low angle, he ripped a shot that skimmed the crossbar then kissed the right post.
Cuypers added to the lead with a left-footed shot from the center of the box.
The Crew played its first match since Designated Player Wessam Abou Ali sustained a hairline fracture in his right ankle that will keep him out six weeks. Leading scorer Diego Rossi (16 goals) missed a third straight match with a hamstring injury and defender Mo Farsi (sports hernia surgery) and midfielder Sean Zawadzki (knee) are also out.
–Field Level Media
