Photo courtesy of Kevin Barrett

Who: Philadelphia Union vs Columbus Crew

What: MLS Matchday 14

Where: Subaru Park

When: Saturday, May 16th, 7:30 PM EST

Watch: Apple TV

Whistle: REF: Armando Villarreal, AR1: Ryan Graves, AR2: Diego Blas, 4TH: Ricardo Montero Araya, VAR: Michael Radchuk, AVAR: Tom Felice

Just days after another heartbreaking loss to Orlando City, the Philadelphia Union return home to Subaru Park to host fellow strugglers the Columbus Crew. The Crew sit 13th in the Eastern Conference standings, just two spots and six points ahead of the Union. This is the penultimate game for the Union before the World Cup break, and the final home game. The extended break could offer a much-needed reset for the team, but in the meantime, Bradley Carnell’s men must try to generate some positivity before the city’s attention shifts.

Scouting Report: Columbus Crew

Columbus and Philly last met just three weeks ago, when the Columbus Crew cruised to a two nil win over the visiting Union. The Crew have not had much luck since then, losing three games in a row in MLS play while giving up a combined nine goals (including two consecutive hat tricks). It is fair to say at this point that this is not the same Columbus Crew of the last few seasons, who were one of the most feared teams in the Eastern Conference under former head coach Wilfried Nancy. New head coach Henrik Rydström has changed formations and philosophies, but has struggled to produce more with less the same way Nancy did for years.

There are still a few dangerous players on this Crew roster. Diego Rossi is a perennial All Star who has consistently put up double-digit goals in MLS. Max Arfsten may feature at the World Cup for the US national team, although the nominal left wingback is now playing as a right midfielder for the Crew.

One particular area of weakness is on set pieces; the Crew are not a tall team, and have given up four set piece goals in their last three games.

Injury Report: Wessam Abou Ali – Knee (Out), Malte Amundsen – Thigh (Out), Jamal Thiaré – Lower Leg (Out), Dylan Chambost – Ankle (Questionable)

Disciplinary Report: N/A

Scouting Report: Philadelphia Union

Wednesday night brought another disheartening loss, but it wasn’t all bad news. The Union came out of halftime strong, and might have won the game with better finishing (or better defending). Cavan Sullivan grabbed the headlines with a goal and an assist in the first truly dominating performance of his young career. He looks physically more confident, which allows his technical ability and creativity to take center stage. Sullivan must feature prominently for this team heading into the World Cup break

Elsewhere on the field, things are less certain. Bradley Carnell has tried all sorts of combinations at forward, but no one besides Milan Iloski has been able to make much of an impact. Perhaps the most promising has been young Homegrown and fan favorite Stas Korzeniowski, who has looked bright in his minutes.

Injuries continue to hamper the backline, with Japhet Sery Larsen and Frankie Westfield set to miss more time. Ben Bender has played decently in his converted left-back role this season, but the center-back situation remains a work in progress, as both Olwethu Makhanya and Geiner Martinez struggled against Orlando.

Injury Report: Jesus Bueno – Ankle (Out), Eddy Davis III – Hamstring (Out). Japhet Sery Larsen – Shoulder (Out), Quinn Sullivan – Knee (Out), Frankie Westfield – Hip (Out)

Disciplinary Report: N/A

Matchup to Watch: Max Arfsten vs. Ben Bender

Assuming Bender starts at left back, he will face a tough test in the form of US international Arfsten, who has two goals and an assist in his last four games (including the game-winner against the Union in April).

Player to Watch: Cavan Sullivan

It may be the obvious pick, but Sullivan’s performance against Orlando caught attention for a reason. The next step in his professional development will be showing consistency.

Prediction: Philadelphia Union 2 – 2 Columbus Crew

Two struggling teams and two struggling defenses should give us goals, but that might not be enough for the Union to earn three points.