COLUMBUS — The Columbus Crew have picked an excellent time to start winning matches. With three consecutive MLS victories and their playoff hopes still alive, the Crew travel to Texas Wednesday night to face one of the Western Conference's best teams, FC Dallas.

Columbus enters the match in 10th place in the Eastern Conference with 38 points, just one behind the New York Red Bulls for the final Wild Card position. With three matches remaining in the regular season, the Crew have little room for error.

The Crew are coming off Saturday's 4-2 victory over Toronto FC, a match in which they built a 4-0 lead before allowing two late goals. Dylan Chambost was the standout performer, recording three assists to earn MLS Player of the Matchday honors.

Columbus has now won five of its last six matches, including three straight victories over Charlotte, FC Cincinnati, and Toronto. The recent turnaround has given the Crew a chance to reach the playoffs after spending much of the season on the outside looking in.

Dallas presents a difficult challenge. The Texas club enters Wednesday with a 15-7-9 record and 54 points, sitting second in the Western Conference. FC Dallas has already clinched a playoff berth and is coming off a 3-0 victory over San Jose.

Forward Petar Musa has been the biggest offensive threat for Dallas, scoring 22 goals this season, including two against San Jose on Saturday. Dallas has scored a club-record 58 goals this season, making it one of the Western Conference's most dangerous offenses.

The Crew have a 3-9-3 record away from home, making Wednesday's trip another difficult test. They've been much better recently, however, and their improved offensive production has helped take some pressure off the defense.

Columbus will be without Sekou Bangoura, who is suspended following his red card against Toronto. Wessam Abou Ali and Rudy Camacho are also out with injuries, while Brais Méndez and Eric Bailly are listed as questionable.

A victory would move Columbus to 41 points and could lift the Crew into a playoff position, depending on the Red Bulls' result against New England. Toronto and New York City FC are also in the playoff race, making every point important over the final three matches.

Match Information

Prediction

Dallas has been strong at home, and Petar Musa will be difficult for Columbus to contain. However, the Crew are playing their best soccer of the season, having won five of their last six matches. With their playoff hopes on the line, Columbus should be able to carry that momentum into Wednesday's matchup, create enough scoring chances, and come away with a crucial road victory.

Columbus Crew 2, FC Dallas 1