Following a 2-3 defeat to Inter Miami midweek, which saw the Herons clinch the MLS Supporter’s Shield on the Columbus Crew’s home field, the Crew needed to redeem themselves against a hungry Philadelphia Union side in the hunt to clinch a playoff spot. A relatively rotated squad for Wilfried Nancy’s side saw Steven Moreira left off (ankle), with Dylan Chambost and Andres Herrera getting starts for the Black & Gold.

It took all but four minutes for the Crew to strike first. Dylan Chambost took the Crew’s first corner kick of the night and found the rising head of the Colombian forward, who placed it past Union goalkeeper Andre Blake.

Nathan Harriel equalized for the visitors in the 25th minute, following up on a loose ball Patrick Schulte saved.

Dylan Chambost attempted to get his goal in the 35th minute, but the shot from distance went wide for the Frenchman.

The Crew found their go-ahead in the 41st minute, with Mohamed Farsi tallying on a loose ball that pinged around the 18-yard box. The Algerian wingback collected his fourth goal of the season, adding his goal contributions up to nine.

Columbus held the lead into the half, looking to extend their performance into the second half.

To start the second half on the front foot, the Crew thought they had found their two-goal advantage when Christian Ramirez netted home the ball past Blake, but referee Allen Chapman waved the goal off for a foul committed just prior.

Columbus claimed a couple of set-piece corner kicks, but nothing substantial came of the chances. The Black & Gold’s fight and aggression remained intact, as they kept attacking the Union’s defensive third with time dwindling.

Hernandez extended the Crew’s lead to 3-1, heading home Chambost’s corner kick in the 77th minute. With Hernandez tallying a brace, the forward surpassed Stern John for goal contributions set in 1998, with 19 goals and 13 assists.

Not even a minute later, the Union found a way back to within one when Jack McGlynn placed his shot to Schulte’s right, scoring 3-2.

With chances still making their presence known for the Black & Gold, converting inside the Union’s 18-yard box was harsh. Hernandez, Arfsten, Taha Habroune, and Ramirez had opportunities at their feet but nothing to show.

Yevhen Cheberko was booked by referee Allen Chapman for a foul just outside the 18-yard box, giving the Union a golden opportunity to level deep into the second half. Schulte saved the ensuing set piece, leading to the Crew closing the match and securing three points. With that came a loss by rival FC Cincinnati, giving Columbus second place in the Eastern Conference and home-field advantage throughout the playoffs until the Conference Final if the Crew were to make it that far.

Crew’s 17 wins tied for Club record

With their 3-2 win, the Crew now have 17 wins on the season, tying the Club record that was set in 2008, when the Crew won their first MLS Cup.

Crew lock up second place, set points record

With their win and a subsequent FC Cincinnati loss to Orlando City, the Crew secured second place in the Eastern conference. In addition, the Crew set the most regular season points record in Club History, tallying 60.

What’s next?

The Columbus Crew take on the New England Revolution next Saturday. Kickoff from Lower.com Field is set for 7:30 p.m. EDT. You can watch the match on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV.