Photo courtesy of Marjorie Elzey

Who: Philadelphia Union (1-2-6) vs. Columbus Crew (2-3-4)

What: MLS Regular Season, Matchday 10

Where: ScottsMiracle-Gro Field, Columbus, Ohio

When: Saturday, April 25, 7:30 PM

Watch: MLS on Apple TV, Radio: 97.5 FM The Fanatic

Whistle: REF: Filip Dujic; AR1: Jeremy Kieso; AR2: Matthew Rodman; 4TH: Sergii Demianchuk; VAR: Kevin Terry Jr; AVAR: Jonathan Johnson

The Philadelphia Union travel to Ohio to take on the Columbus Crew. Two of the best teams in the Eastern Conference last year, both Philly and Columbus have struggled to start the 2026 MLS season. The Union will look to put Wednesday’s heartbreaking tie behind them and extend their unbeaten run to four.

Scouting Report: Columbus Crew

The Columbus Crew have had an inconsistent start to life in the post-Wilfried Nancy era. New head coach Henrik Rydström has struggled to find the right attacking balance, and the Crew endured their own 5-game winless run to start the season, before two recent victories over Atlanta United FC and the LA Galaxy helped to turn things around.

Columbus’ troubles only deepened when Designated Player and top-scorer Wessam Abou Ali suffered a torn ACL during a Week 8 draw with Orlando City. In his absence, the Crew have shifted old friend Daniel Gazdag up top as a false nine, where Gazdag has found success. Gazdag had a rocky first season with the Crew, but has a goal and an assist through two games in this new role.

Other players to watch on Columbus include U.S. international Max Arfsten and long-time MLS standout Diego Rossi, who already has four goals on the season.

Injury Report: Andre Gomes – Lower Leg (Out), Wessam Abou Ali – Knee (Out), Mohamed Farsi – Sports Hernia (Questionable)

Scouting Report: Philadelphia Union

The Union have slowly started to shake off the rust this season, and played well in their last game en route to a 3-3 draw with Toronto FC. The Union’s press caused Toronto fits all night, particularly through Danley Jean Jacques from his experimental role higher up the pitch. But the good vibes were dampened somewhat by conceding a stoppage-time equalizer to Toronto’s goalkeeper.

The Union’s offense has shown signs of life the past few weeks, with Danley, Milan Iloski, and Jesús Bueno all working their way into form. Although Wednesday’s three-goal onslaught was aided by an admittedly fortunate ricochet from Danley, the pieces are here for a more productive offense than we have seen thus far this season.

Player Availability: Olivier Mbaizo – Hamstring (Out), Quinn Sullivan – Knee (Out)

Key Matchup: Daniel Gazdag vs. the Union Center backs

The partnership between Olwethu Makhanya and Japhet Sery has been slow to gel so far this season, with the two center backs being drawn very out of position at times. We all know that Gazdag has the talent and the know-how to take advantage if that happens.

Player to Watch: Milan Iloski

Iloski is quietly rounding his way back into the form that made him so exciting last season, with two goals and an assist in his last five games. He consistently looks the most dangerous of the Union attackers.

Prediction: Philadelphia Union 1 – 1 Columbus Crew

Both of these teams are still trying to figure out their identities after an offseason of significant change. I wouldn’t be surprised if the Union end with their third draw in a row.