MLS Match Preview: Columbus Crew SC (9-3-7) vs. Philadelphia Union (12-3-4)

Match Significance

This Columbus vs Philadelphia MLS 2025 fixture is a marquee battle between two of the Eastern Conference’s elite. With both clubs boasting top-three records and playoff ambitions, this match could have major implications for the Supporters’ Shield race and postseason seeding.

Columbus Crew – Team Overview

Current Standing: 3rd in Eastern Conference

Record: 9W-3L-?D (exact draw count TBD)

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

Manager: Wilfried Nancy

Key Players: Cucho Hernández, Diego Rossi, Darlington Nagbe

Strengths

Strong home form at Lower.com Field

Cucho Hernández’s attacking output (double-digit goals)

Tactical flexibility and possession dominance under Nancy

Concerns

Defensive lapses in transition

Inconsistent results against top-tier opposition

Pressure to maintain home unbeaten streak

Path to Victory

Columbus must control midfield tempo, feed Rossi and Cucho in the final third, and stay compact defensively. Set pieces and wide overloads could be decisive.

Philadelphia Union – Team Overview

Current Standing: 2nd in Eastern Conference

Record: 12W-3L-?D (exact draw count TBD)

Last 5 Matches: W-W-D-W-D

Manager: Jim Curtin

Key Players: Mikael Uhre, Daniel Gazdag, Jakob Glesnes

Strengths

Unbeaten in last 5 matches

Gazdag’s return to Columbus after his April trade adds narrative fire

Strong defensive core and counterattacking threat

Concerns

Andre Blake (knee) and Olivier Mbaizo (knee) are questionable

Fatigue from recent congested schedule

Struggled to close out games on the road

Path to Victory

Philadelphia must stay compact, frustrate Columbus in midfield, and strike on the break through Uhre and Gazdag. Blake’s availability could be pivotal.

Head-to-Head & Historical Context

All-Time MLS Meetings: 34

Columbus Wins: 15

Philadelphia Wins: 13

Draws: 6

Last Meeting: 2-2 draw (May 10, 2025 at Subaru Park)

Recent Trend: Columbus unbeaten in 3 of last 4 vs Union, including a 3-2 win at home in October 2024

This rivalry has intensified in recent seasons, with both clubs consistently battling for top-tier status in the East.

Tactical Insight & Prediction

Expect Columbus to dominate possession and push numbers forward, while Philadelphia will look to absorb pressure and counter through Gazdag and Uhre. The midfield battle—Nagbe vs Martínez—will shape the tempo. If Blake starts, Philly’s chances improve significantly.