Philadelphia Union will not qualify for the MLS playoffs after conceding three times in the final 12 minutes to lose 3-2 to Columbus Crew at PPL Park this morning.
With New York Red Bulls beating Toronto, defeat for Union would have ended their pursuit of a top-five finish in the Eastern Conference.
Nevertheless, Jim Curtin's side looked well on course for that precious victory when Danny Cruz and Andrew Wenger fired the hosts into a two-goal lead with strikes on 69 and 75 minutes.
However, the hosts did not have long to enjoy their cushion as Ethan Finlay fired a near-immediate reply for Columbus, reducing the arrears on 77 minutes.
It proved to be the foundations from which Crew built a stunning comeback, as Justin Meram equalised two minutes later, before Jairo Arrieta struck soon after to complete the turnaround.
The defeat has left Philadelphia seven points adrift of fifth place with only six left on offer.
Shane Callaghan
