The Columbus Crew have no time to dwell on Wednesday night’s result as the Black & Gold return to Lower.com Field on Saturday night to host the Philadelphia Union in a third meeting in six weeks. Score Tickets
Numbers to Know
2 – With three games remaining in the MLS regular season, the Columbus Crew sit second in the Eastern Conference with 57 points from 31 matches. Because of Wednesday’s loss to Inter Miami CF, the Crew are just competing with FC Cincinnati to determine who claims the No. 2 seed entering the postseason. Columbus has one more point that Cincinnati and has played one fewer match – which favors the reigning MLS Cup champions (Cincinnati lost, 3-1 at fifth-place New York City FC on Wednesday night).
10a – First things first, the Crew played well when reduced to 10 men against Miami on Wednesday night. Had a second penalty kick been converted, perhaps the Black & Gold leave Lower.com Field with at least a point. As for a second 10, Diego Rossi matched his career best against Miami with 23 goal contributions this season: 16 goals and seven assists. His career year extends across all competitions, and the Uruguayan playmaker has 14 goals and 20 goal contributions in his last 20 games for the Black & Gold.
10b – Philadelphia really, really needs a positive result on Saturday night. The Union enter the match 10th in the Eastern Conference, which is just outside a play-in spot. However, the side is level with ninth-place Toronto FC on points. Philly has 37 points from 32 games played this season and, as Columbus supporters know, had a fine Leagues Cup run weeks ago. The Union lost to fourth-place Orlando City SC, 2-1, on Wednesday, and only have two games remaining in their regular season. The clock is ticking.
10c – Dániel Gazdag continues to dominate the Philadelphia attack. The Hungarian striker has 17 goals and two assists in 27 league appearances this season, and through 116 MLS career appearances, he’s scored 57 goals while providing 28 assists. Long story short, he’s been a problem for opponents since he joined the league in 2021. If his name is familiar, he scored in his last trip to Lower.com Field on Aug. 21 in the Leagues Cup semifinals.
When They Last Met
The Columbus Crew won, 1-0, when the clubs last met on Aug. 28 at Subaru Park. Just off a Leagues Cup Final win, head coach Wilfried Nancy deployed a rotated squad that continued giving the Union problems before Yaw Yeboah scored the game winner in the 75th minute. As for the last game in the Ohio capital, the Crew won, 3-1, on Aug. 21 in the Leagues Cup semis. Rossi scored twice before Cucho Hernández scored the third to seal a trip to a third finals in nine months.
Match Overview
Who: Columbus Crew host Philadelphia Union
When: Saturday, Oct. 5 at 7:30 p.m.
Where: Lower.com Field
Tickets: Score Tickets
How to Watch: MLS Season Pass on the Apple TV app
How to Listen: La Grande 102.5 FM | Alt 105.7 FM | iHeart Radio app
Bring your crew
Secure your seat to cheer on the reigning MLS Cup champion Columbus Crew at Lower.com Field this season!
