Crew SC will need to improve its offensive consistency down the stretch to keep pace in a crowded Eastern Conference playoff race.

Before the secondary transfer window closes Aug. 9, Crew SC expects to do just that. Winger Pedro Santos, 29, of Portugal is on his way to the United States to join Crew SC, a source confirmed to The Dispatch.

Santos’ transfer had not been completely finalized as of early Sunday, but if all goes according to plan he could begin training with Crew SC early next week, The Dispatch has learned. An announcement is expected early next week.

Santos, whose main position is right wing, has been with S.C. Braga of the Portuguese Primeira Liga since 2013, with brief loan stints with Romanian club FC Astra Giurgiu in 2013 and Rio Ave in Portugal in 2014.

Santos has logged more than 100 appearances for Braga across all competitions, including Europa League experience.

Several publications out of Portugal have reported the transfer fee Crew SC used to acquire Santos at north of $2 million.

After a 2-1 loss to the San Jose Earthquakes on Saturday, Crew SC returns home next Saturday to face the Chicago Fire.

aerickson@dispatch.com

@AEricksonCD