Columbus Crew SC saved the best for last. The Black & Gold ended the regular season with a bang, defeating D.C. United 5-0 and securing second place in the East for a berth in the Conference Semifinals. The impressive performance also cemented Crew SC’s rank as one of the top teams in the MLS Power Rankings.
Two shutouts in a row. MLSsoccer.com continues to rank Columbus third behind Conference Champions New York Red Bulls and FC Dallas. MLS credits Gaston Sauro’s performances for Crew SC’s solid defense. On the other end of the pitch the Black & Gold have one of the most underrated attacking players in the League, Ethan Finlay, according to MLS.
Columbus enters the postseason as one of the hottest teams in the League, SI.com writes. Sports Illustrated also ranks Crew SC third overall, bumping the Black & Gold up one spot. SI credits Sporting Director & Head Coach Gregg Berhalter for turning Crew SC into a dark-horse candidate for the MLS Cup.
ESPNFC continues to rank Crew SC in third and calls out the performances by forward Jack McInerney and midfielder Ethan Finlay. The 5-0 win over D.C. should give a confidence boost ahead of the playoffs, ESPNFC writes, stressing that the Black & Gold have the talent to go all the way.