Photo: Marjorie Elzey

Who: Philadelphia Union vs Columbus Crew

What: MLS Regular Season

Where: Subaru Park

When: 7:30 PM August 28th, 2024

Watch: MLS Season Pass on Apple TV, Listen in on 97.5 FM

Whistle: TBA

The Philadelphia Union return to MLS play this Wednesday as they will host the Columbus Crew in a rematch of the Leagues Cup semi-finals game one week ago. 

After suffering a 3-1 defeat at the hands of the Crew, thanks to contributions from Cucho Hernandez and Diego Rossi, the Union fizzled out in the 3rd place match against Colorado. Despite battling back to find a lead, they conceded an equalizer early in the second half, and were forced to go to penalties. The Boys is Blue had a poor showing from the spot in the shootout, only converting one of their kicks. Rapids GK Zach Steffen made two saves and then only had to watch as Olivier Mbaizo’s attempt dinged off the crossbar, dooming the Union to a 4th placed finish, meaning their CONCACAF Champions Cup hopes have all but vanished. 

Meanwhile, the Crew went on to beat LAFC in the final, scoring two late goals to take the lead and win, securing a CCC spot and their third major trophy in 5 years.

Scouting Report: Columbus Crew

Last 5 (in MLS): L-D-W-W-W

Wilfried Nancy likely won’t make too many changes to his side. The Crew came out as sound victors last Wednesday and on Sunday, with events unfolding in similar fashion in both games, each ending 3-1 in Columbus’s favor. Overall, the Crew has continued to be a success story this year, even balancing their MLS campaign with a run to the final in the Champions Cup. They sit firmly in the upper half of the East on a 12 W – 7 D – 4 L record and boast a league best defense with an impressive 22 goals allowed through 23 games played. The aforementioned Cucho and Rossi have also been in-form in league play, with the pair combining for 22 of the clubs 47 goals this season. Cucho has 13 goals and 8 assists, with Rossi adding 9 goals and 10 assists*. 

In this Wednesday’s game however, the Crew will have to travel to Subaru Park, a place Columbus has historically struggled to get results. The Crew only have 4 wins at the Soob and haven’t won there since September 12th, 2015. In that match, Gergg Berhalter was still the head coach, and the Crew defeated the Union on the back of a Kei Kamara brace. While Columbus has a slight edge in the all time series with 15 wins compared to Philly’s 13, the Union have outscored them overall 45 to 39, with last season’s 4-1 season opener shellacking no doubt playing a part there.

*Stats sourced from official MLS records which include secondary assists in the assist total. Both have 6 primary assists per FBref.com

Injury Report: N/a

Suspended: N/a

International Duty: N/a

Scouting Report: Philadelphia Union

Last 5: W-W-L-D-L

Jim Curtin and his men will look to bounce back after yet another disappointing loss in a semi-final. Not only was that the latest in an increasing list of losses in a semi-final or championship game, it also prevented the Union from qualifying to CCC barring an unlikely victory in this year’s MLS Cup. 

Either way, the Union will have two advantages working in their favor in this in-league rematch. Columbus has to travel, and the Union have had their number in Chester over the past 9 years. Secondly, Tai Baribo will be available for selection. The in-from striker was suspended for the Semi-Final match in Columbus, following a controversial double-yellow card against Mazatlan. Since returning to play in the 3rd place match he bagged a brace and claimed the Leagues Cup Golden Boot. Baribo will absolutely have to have another multi-goal game if the Union are to win on Wednesday.

What’s more, last week’s loss was actually the first time Nancy has beat Curtin, including his tenures with the Crew and Montreal. Curtin might be looking for revenge in a battle of two of the top coaches in MLS over the past couple seasons.

Unfortunately, he’ll have a hole in midfield with Jose Martinez’s departure to Corinithians. Although the transfer might net the team up to $2 million they now lack a natural ‘6’ to start a D-mid.

Although Curtin has employed a 3-back at times this season it seems unlikely with the transfer of Damion Lowe to Al-Akhdoud, since the Union now also lack a 3rd CB. Instead, Leon Flach will likely continue to start at the ‘6’, with Danley not yet ready. 

Injury Report: None known

Suspended: N/a but Bedoya and Elliot are one booking away from a disciplinary suspension

International Duty: N/a

Key Matchup: Union D-mids vs Crew A-mids

In the LC games against Philly and LAFC, Nancy lined up in a 3-4-3 which utilized 2 attacking midfielders: Christian Ramirez and Diego Rossi. With Martinez’s outgoing transfer, the D-mid depth for the Union suddenly doesn’t stack up that well against the top teams in the East, including the Crew. Flach has struggled to man the 6 in his time here, Danley doesn’t seem ready to start yet. Curtin might change the formation but either way this game is going to be heavily predicated by what happens in the midfield.

Player to Watch: Tai Baribo

Who else could it be? He was (wrongfully) suspended for the Leagues Cup Semi-Final matchup and now has a chance to prove that day could’ve gone differently for the Union if he was on the field. He has an incredible strike rate with the Union, averaging 0.85 goals per 90 in MLS and an unbelievable 1.27 goals per 90 minutes in Leagues Cup play (Source: FotMob). Union will need him and his goal scoring talents if they are to make a run in the postseason (or even qualify). Crunch Time officially starts on Wednesday.

Prediction: 3-2 Philadelphia Union

Baribo’s suspension no doubt affected the Union’s performance as a whole last Wednesday. With him back in the squad, they should be able to play their game. A trademarked Baribo brace, with some heroics from Blake, could be enough to give the Union a massive win in clutch time.