Following in the vein of the Seattle Sounders earlier in the day, an Ola Kamara brace secured a vital three points for the Columbus Crew to keep their faint playoff hopes alive at the expense of the New England Revolution.

Kamara goals vital

The Crew entered play eight points back of sixth-placed DC United in the Eastern Conference standings and knowing full well that maximum points were vital. Columbus, who have struggled mightily all season, were on the brink of seeing any chance of making the playoffs go up in smoke.

However, two clutch goals from Ola Kamara bring them to 32 points on the season, just five behind United, whom they have a game in hand over. While Columbus remain in ninth place in the East, they're still standing for the moment. That could all change when they travel to Washington this week to play DC United on Wednesday, when a loss would all but eliminate them from playoff contention.

It was a good night for the Columbus Crew. (Photo credit: @ColumbusCrewSC)
It was a good night for the Columbus Crew. (Photo credit: @ColumbusCrewSC)

Major disappointment for New England

New England entered the game in seventh place just one point behind DC, with a great chance of vaulting back into the playoff places. They leave Crew Stadium with their tails between their legs having been outplayed and still on the outside looking in at the MLS Cup Playoffs with just three games remaining, one fewer than United and Orlando City SC, who sit in eighth.

While they will feel aggrieved about the penalty decision that lead to Kamara's second goal, the Revolution were outplayed in this game. They'll need to try and forget this one as quickly as possible, because another must-win game approaches next Saturday when they welcome Sporting Kansas City.

Key Moments

29' Save! Some lovely footwork from Lee Nguyen created space for a shot, but it was held easily Steve Clark.

30' Off the bar! Justin Meram has a hit from distance which Brad Knighton brilliantly tips onto the bar. So close.

38' Save! Steve Neuman with a hit from distance but Clark is up to the task.

42' GOAL! Ola Kamara opens the scoring! The ball found its way to him on the right hand side of the box, and the striker neatly shifted the ball onto his left foot before beating Knighton at his near post. Good goal.

67' Off the post! Oh that deserved a goal from Harrison Afful! He took the ball down brilliantly in the box, cut in on his left foot and had Knighton beaten all ends up but his strike caromed back off the post. Kamara's follow-up was blocked out as well. So unlucky!

79' Save! Spellbinding work from Ethan Finlay created space for a shot which was well-saved, and the rebound was blocked out as well. All hands on deck time for the Revolution.

82' Penalty! Kamara was pushed in the back while attempting to meet a cross, and the referee had no hesitation in giving the penalty. Looked a very soft decision.

84' GOAL! Kamara dispatches the spot kick to the keeper's right, and left him with no chance. Well taken, game over.

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About the author
Liam McMahon
American sports journalist based out of Milwaukee, Wisconsin who has been affiliated with VAVEL for more than a year. Co-editor of the soccer section at VAVEL USA and international football writer at VAVEL UK.