The Columbus Crew has secured its place in the MLS Cup playoffs for the third consecutive year, a noteworthy achievement amidst a challenging stretch of matches. This milestone was clinched despite a disappointing 2-0 loss to the Chicago Fire, a game where the Crew struggled to find the back of the net due to the absence of key players like Wessam Abou Ali and Diego Rossi, both sidelined by injuries.
In a tactical shift, head coach Wilfried Nancy opted to start veteran goalkeeper Evan Bush over regular starter Patrick Schulte, aiming to inject fresh energy into the lineup. However, the Crew could not capitalize on the change, facing a resilient Fire team that took control early with a goal from Andrew Gutman.
The Crew's playoff position was solidified thanks to results elsewhere, specifically the New York Red Bulls' loss to New York City FC. With this fortunate turn of events, the Crew can now focus on refining their roster and strategy ahead of the postseason.
In a positive development for the squad, goalkeeper Patrick Schulte and midfielder Max Arfsten received call-ups to the U.S. Men's National Team for the upcoming October friendlies. This recognition highlights the depth of talent within the Crew, even as they navigate injuries and lineup adjustments.
Looking ahead, the Crew will need to regroup and build momentum as they prepare for the final stretch of the regular season. With two matches remaining, they aim to improve their playoff seeding and make a deeper run in the MLS Cup race. As the team rallies to reclaim its form, the focus will be on their ability to adapt and perform without their key attacking players.