With the regular season quickly coming to a close, the Columbus Crew kept its playoff hopes alive Wednesday night with a 3-2 home victory over Orlando City SC.
Needing a win, the Crew jumped out to an early lead at Lower.com Field when Miguel Berry got his head on a cross sent in from Lucas Zelarayán and buried into the back of the net in the 20th minute.
Just 11 minutes later, the Crew took a 2-0 on a Derrick Etienne goal. Zelarayán collected his second assist of the night when he sent an in-swinging corner kick to the far post and found Etienne, who was able to get a foot on a waist-high ball and direct it into the net.
In the 51st minute, Orlando cut into Columbus' lead when Daryl Dike converted from the penalty spot.
With two assists already to his name, Zelarayán added his name to the scoring ledger in the 61st minute and did so in stunning fashion.
The Argentinian found himself with space from about 25 yards out and buried a curving right-footed shot into the top left corner over the outstretched arms of Orlando goalkeeper Pedro Gallese.
Zelarayán's performance came on the day it was announced he had the 16th best-selling MLS jersey this season.
Two minutes into stoppage time, Orlando cut Columbus' lead to 3-2 on a Robin Jansson goal.
Columbus was playing without head coach Caleb Porter, who entered into MLS Health and Safety Protocols on October 19.
The win keeps Columbus within three points of D.C. United, which holds the final playoff spot. The Crew will take on D.C. United Saturday in the nation's capital in the next to last match of the season. Kickoff between the Crew and DC is set for 7:30 p.m.
The Crew will return home for the regular-season finale on November 7 against Chicago. Chicago is currently 12th in the Eastern Conference.