COLUMBUS — The Columbus Crew have picked an excellent time to start winning matches, and Gonzalo Tapia has become an important part of their late-season surge. The 24-year-old forward has scored in three consecutive MLS matches, providing a timely boost to a Columbus attack that is finding ways to produce when it needs goals most.

Tapia continued his scoring streak Wednesday night in Dallas, putting the Crew ahead in the 18th minute of their 2-0 victory. The goal came at the end of a quick counterattack, with Anass Zaroury sending a low cross into the penalty area for Tapia to finish with his left foot.

It wasn't a spectacular individual effort, but Tapia was exactly where he needed to be. His movement into scoring position and ability to finish the opportunity gave Columbus a lead it never surrendered, with Patrick Schulte making seven saves to preserve the shutout.

That goal followed another important contribution in Saturday's 4-2 victory over Toronto FC. Tapia opened the scoring in the 16th minute after Santiago Rodríguez played the ball forward to Mohamed Farsi, who found Tapia in front of goal. The forward finished from close range to give Columbus an early advantage.

Tapia's streak began in the Crew's victory over FC Cincinnati, adding another goal during a stretch in which Columbus has won four consecutive matches. For a player who joined the club on loan from São Paulo in August, his contributions have come at an important time.

Through his first nine MLS appearances, Tapia has scored four goals, including three in his last three matches. Rodríguez, Farsi, and Zaroury have all helped create scoring opportunities for him, showing how Tapia is benefiting from the movement and passing around him.

There is also something encouraging about the nature of his recent goals. Columbus doesn't necessarily need Tapia to beat multiple defenders or create his own shot every time he gets the ball. Having a forward who consistently moves into dangerous positions and finishes chances gives the Crew another reliable scoring option.

The timing is particularly important because Columbus is fighting to secure a playoff position. Wednesday's victory moved the Crew into ninth place in the Eastern Conference with two regular-season matches remaining, making every goal and every point especially valuable.

Tapia's scoring streak alone won't determine whether Columbus reaches the postseason. However, if he continues finding the net while the rest of the attack creates opportunities, the Crew will have another reason to believe their late-season push can carry them into the playoffs.