Columbus Crew Secures MLS Cup Playoff Spot After Late Season Surge
The Columbus Crew's remarkable turnaround, following a coaching change and several new signings, has propelled them into the MLS Cup Playoffs after finishing September in last place.
In a stunning display of resilience and tactical acumen, the Columbus Crew have secured their place in the MLS Cup Playoffs, marking a significant milestone for the team after a challenging start to the season. This achievement comes on the heels of a series of strategic moves and impressive performances that have transformed their fortunes in the Eastern Conference.
The Crew's journey to the playoffs began with a pivotal decision in May, when they parted ways with head coach Henrik Rydstrom. This change in leadership set the stage for a fresh approach and renewed vigor among the players. Since then, the team has made eight new signings, bolstering their roster with talent and depth that has proven crucial in their recent success.
As recently as September, the Crew found themselves at the bottom of the Eastern Conference standings, a stark contrast to their current position. However, a remarkable run of form saw them win seven out of their last eight matches, culminating in a decisive 3-0 victory over D.C. United on Saturday. This late-season surge not only lifted their spirits but also solidified their playoff aspirations.
On the same day as the Crew's triumph, other notable results in the Eastern Conference included Toronto FC's 3-1 loss to Atlanta United and Nashville SC's narrow 3-2 win over Red Bull New York. These outcomes further emphasized the Crew's improved standing and their potential to achieve a higher seed in the upcoming playoffs.
While the Crew's playoff berth is confirmed, their exact seeding remains uncertain, with the possibility of finishing as high as sixth or as low as ninth in the Eastern Conference table. This range reflects the competitive nature of the conference and the tight race for playoff spots.
It's worth noting that the Crew have not advanced past the MLS Cup Playoffs since clinching the title in 2023, adding extra significance to their current success and setting the stage for potential glory once again.
What we know
- - The Columbus Crew secured a spot in the MLS Cup Playoffs. 12
- - The Crew changed their coach in May. 12
- - Henrik Rydstrom was fired as the coach of the Columbus Crew. 12
- - The Crew won 3-0 against D.C. United on Saturday. 2
- - The Crew started September in last place in the Eastern Conference. 2
- - The Crew achieved seven wins in their last eight games. 2
- - Toronto FC lost 3-1 to Atlanta United on the same day. 2
- - Nashville SC beat Red Bull New York 3-2 on the same day. 2
- - The Crew can finish as high as sixth or as low as ninth in the Eastern Conference table. 2
- - The Crew has not advanced past the MLS Cup Playoffs since winning the title in 2023. 2
Trust Score report
Likely accurate — probability of truth 68%, weighted across 13 claims from 2 independent outlets.
- likely The Columbus Crew secured a spot in the MLS Cup Playoffs. (85%)
- unverified The Crew's playoff spot was clinched with one game remaining in the regular season. (49%)
- likely The Columbus Crew changed their coach in May. (85%)
- likely Henrik Rydstrom was fired as the coach of the Columbus Crew. (85%)
- likely The Crew won 3-0 against D.C. United on Saturday. (70%)
- likely The Crew started September in last place in the Eastern Conference. (70%)
- likely The Crew achieved seven wins in their last eight games. (70%)
- unverified The Columbus Crew signed eight new players. (51%)
- unverified The Columbus Crew secured a spot in the 2026 MLS Cup Playoffs. (51%)
- likely Toronto FC lost 3-1 to Atlanta United on the same day. (70%)
- likely Nashville SC beat Red Bull New York 3-2 on the same day. (70%)
- likely The Crew can finish as high as sixth or as low as ninth in the Eastern Conference table. (70%)
- likely The Crew has not advanced past the MLS Cup Playoffs since winning the title in 2023. (70%)
Sources
- Cleveland.com (Ohio) — A coaching change, 8 new signings and a late-season hot streak: How the Columbus Crew went from the bottom of the East to the MLS Cup Playoffs
https://www.cleveland.com/sports/2026/11/how-columbus-crew-turned-a-disastrous-start-into-a-2026-mls-cup-playoff-berth.html - NBC4 WCMH-TV (Columbus) — Columbus Crew book MLS Cup playoff ticket with one game to spare
https://www.nbc4i.com/sports/mls/columbus-crew/columbus-crew-book-mls-cup-playoff-ticket-with-one-game-to-spare/