If recent MLS seasons have taught anything, it is that teams can get hot at the right time toward the end of the season, enter the playoffs with momentum and go on an MLS Cup run. The Columbus Crew are attempting to become the latest to try and test that notion.
Riding the exploits of Designated Player Federico Higuain, Columbus posted a second-straight two-win, six-point week to push into the Eastern Conference's top five and the heart of the playoff race and capture SBI MLS Team of the Week honors. Wins over Philadelphia and Montreal catapulted the Crew past D.C. United and into fifth place, and the Crew might not be done climbing, as they hold a game in hand on the fourth-place Houston Dynamo, with whom they are level on 42 points.
The Crew beat out the Los Angeles Galaxy, who used a reserve-laden lineup to rout the Puerto Rico Islanders in CONCACAF Champions League play before downing the Vancouver Whitecaps over the weekend; the Chicago Fire, who topped Houston to leap into third in the East; and the Supporters' Shield race-leading San Jose Earthquakes, who dominated Chivas USA by a 4-0 scoreline.
What did you think of the Crew's week? Do you think the Crew are legitimate MLS Cup contenders? Which team do you think had the best week in MLS?
Share your thoughts below.