The good news for the Columbus Crew Saturday was that they clinched a spot in this year’s MLS playoffs. The bad news? They clinched a playoff appearance because the New York Red Bulls lost to New York City FC. The Crew also lost Saturday, falling to the Chicago Fire, 2-0, in a match that could have been much worse.

The Black & Gold had a list of injured players that could not play at Soldier Field Saturday that would start for most MLS teams. Out were Diego Rossi, Messam Abou Ali, Sean Zawadzki, Mo Farsi, and Rudy Camacho. Rossi is the team’s leading scorer and Abou Ali had recorded goals in his last three matches.

Chicago took advantage of the Crew’s depleted lineup with a goal in the 25th minute. Andrew Gutman lined a shot from outside the Crew’s box that rattled off the crossbar and right post before finding the net.

The Gutman goal came after two apparent Fire scores earlier in the half, both of which were negated, one by a foul and one by an offside call. Before the end of the first half, another Chicago goal was taken off the board after VAR review found the Fire to be offsides.

Chicago scored in the 70th minute on a Hugo Cuypers shot to take a 2-0 lead. The Crew managed only two shots on goal during the contest, both in the second half. Evan Bush, who was in the Columbus goal over Patrick Schulte, recorded six saves on the night.

The Crew travel to Orlando next Saturday for their next to last regular season match. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. at Inter&Co Stadium.