DC United have booked their berth in the MLS playoffs with a 3-2 victory over Columbus Crew at home.

This is the first time since 2007 that United will participate in the playoffs.

However, it was the visitors who made the brighter start of the two teams, taking the lead after just seven minutes through Eddie Gaven.

Nicholas DeLeon equalised in the 39th minute when he slotted home from close range, but Jairo Arrieta restored the visitors' one-goal advantage just two minutes later with a curling effort that rebounded off the post, off goalkeeper Bill Hamid's back and into the net.

United, though, came back strongly in the second half and made it 2-2 in the 59th minute.

Marcelo Saragosa shot home past Andy Gruenebaum with a left-footed attempt after being teed up by Brandon McDonald.

Lewis Neal wrapped up the victory for United in front of their supporters in the first minute of injury time when he turned in Branko Boskovic's long ball.