Columbus Crew Clinches Last MLS Playoff Spot

Columbus Crew goalkeeper Patrick Schulte recorded seven saves in a 2-0 victory over FC Dallas on Wednesday night, a result that secures the ninth and final playoff position for the Eastern Conference.

The Crew enters this match with a four-game winning streak and a 12-15-5 overall record. Schulte’s performance marked his seventh clean sheet in 32 starts this season. The win also extends the club's road record to 4-9-3.

Gonzalo Tapia opened the scoring in the 18th minute after receiving an assist from Anass Zaroury. This goal gives Tapia a tally in three consecutive matches during his first nine appearances in Major League Soccer. It was the first assist of the season for Zaroury in his sixth league match.

Santiago Rodríguez added the second goal in the 70th minute. The assist came from Rodríguez himself, who had previously set up the opening score. This was his third goal in his 10th appearance of the campaign.

FC Dallas, who have already secured a Western Conference playoff berth, dropped to an 8-3-5 home record. Their goalkeeper Daniel De Sousa Britto made one save. The defeat was only the second loss for Dallas in their last 11 matches.

The Crew hosts D.C. United on Saturday. FC Dallas travels to Sporting Kansas City for its next fixture on the same day.