Columbus Crew SC exorcised the demons of a failed 2016 season Saturday night, as their 2-0 win over Eastern Conference bottom-dweller D.C. United secured their spot in the 2017 MLS Cup Playoffs.
The Crew are back in the postseason for the first time since their MLS Cup runner-up finish in 2015. Depending on how their final two games go on the road against Orlando City SC and New York City FC, respectively, the Crew are still in limbo in terms of whether they’ll be hosting a playoff game or not.
“I think a big part of that is the fact that, yes, we did clinch a playoff spot,” said Crew midfielder and captain Wil Trapp.