The Columbus Crew rose to No. 3 on MLSsoccer.com and No. 9 on ESPN.com after a 2-1 win vs. Supporters' Shield-leading Philadelphia Union on Sunday, Nov. 1.
The Black & Gold already have an MLS Cup Playoffs spot clinched and will look to secure a minimum top-three seed with a victory over Orlando City SC.
In this year's playoff format, Eastern Conference seeds No. 7 through No. 10 will each take part in a play-in match.
The No. 7 seed will face the No. 10 seed and the No. 8 seed will face the No. 9 seed. The lowest seed play-in winner will then advance to face the No. 1 seed, while the highest seed play-in winner will advance to face No. 2 seed.
See below for MLSsoccer.com's and ESPN.com's respective Power Rankings.
MLSsoccer.com: 3rd
Previous ranking: 4th
"The Crew deserve plaudits for denying Philadelphia the Supporters’ Shield last weekend, though the lion’s share of credit goes to Eloy Room. He stood on his head repeatedly, and the in-form goalkeeper could do Caleb Porter's team wonders when playoff soccer comes around."
ESPN.com: 9th
Previous ranking: 10th
"Sunday's win over league-leading Philadelphia was just Columbus' second in its past eight games. Those three points keep the Crew in Columbus once the postseason gets underway -- at least for the first round."
