The Columbus Crew turned the page on a mediocre September, during which the team went 1-2-1, with the hope that October would be better. Their only win in September was against Atlanta United FC, a 5-4 victory after leading the match 5-0.

On Saturday against Orlando City SC, the Black & Gold took a 1-0 lead in the first half, only to give up a goal less than three minutes later, and finish with a 1-1 road draw.

Andres Herrera scored the Crew’s lone goal in the 31st minute. Lassi Lappalainen drove toward the left end line and sent a pass to the front of the goal, finding a sliding Herrera who deflected the ball into the net. It was Herrera’s third goal and Lappalainen’s third assist of the season.

Orlando scored the equalizer in the 34th minute. Luis Muriel sent a long shot to the Columbus goal which Crew goalkeeper Patrick Schulte blocked, but didn’t control. The ball bounced into the void in front of Schulte where Orlando’s Marco Pusalik put it on his left foot and sent it into the net.

Schulte, who blanked Orlando after Pusalik’s goal, was back in the lineup Saturday after sitting in favor of Evan Bush in last Saturday’s 2-0 loss at Chicago. Also returning to the pitch was the Crew’s leading scorer, Diego Rossi, who suffered a leg injury three weeks ago against Atlanta, as well as Sean Zawadzki, who was injured in a U.S. Men’s National Team practice in September.

When asked about how important it was that the Crew played better than their play the last few weeks, Zawadzki said, “It’s huge. It’s something that we can continue to build on.”

Now, we have a little break and go on international break, so some guys are going off. When we get back, it’s how can we continue to build on that again. Last game at home. A huge, huge opportunity for us to show our fans how much we appreciate them.”

The Crew return home for their final regular season match on Saturday, October 18 against the New York Red Bulls. The kickoff on Decision Day is slated for 6:00 p.m. The Black & Gold have already qualified for the MLS postseason.