The slumping Columbus Crew lost to host Chicago Fire on Saturday but still clinched a playoff berth in the Eastern Conference.

Although the Crew (13-8-11, 50 points) have just one win in their past seven matches, they secured a spot just after halftime of their match when New York City FC's 3-2 win over the New York Red Bulls went final.

The Fire (14-11-6, 48 points) may have a say in the Crew's postseason plans. Chicago can overtake the eighth-place Crew with a win at Inter Miami on Tuesday to make up its match in hand as the Fire closes in on their first playoff appearance since 2017. The No. 8 seed hosts the No. 9 seed in a knockout Wild Card match.

On Saturday, Chicago got a 25th-minute goal from Andrew Gutman and 70th-minute tally by Hugo Cypers, his 17th. Chris Brady made two save

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