MLS Match Preview: Philadelphia Union (1-6-2) vs. Columbus Crew SC (2-4-3)

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Columbus Crew SC logo

Venue: ScottsMiracle‑Gro Field — Columbus, Ohio

Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 PM ET

Weather Outlook

No weather data surfaced in search results. Late‑April Columbus typically features mid‑60s temperatures, light wind, and mild humidity (inference).

Injury Report

Columbus Crew SC

Mo Farsi — Pelvic injury

Taha Habroune — Illness

Wessam Abou Ali — Cruciate ligament tear

Quinn Sullivan — Cruciate ligament tear

Aidan Anello — Muscle injury

Philadelphia Union

No specific injuries listed in available match previews. (Union’s lineup issues this season have been performance‑related rather than injury‑driven.)

Team Records

Columbus Crew: 1‑3‑4 (per The Athletic)

Philadelphia Union: 1‑1‑6 (per The Athletic)

Recent Team Form

Columbus Crew — Last 5

L 1–2 vs New England

T 1–1 vs Orlando

W 3–1 vs Atlanta

L 1–2 vs Toronto

L 0–1 vs Nashville

Philadelphia Union — Last 5

T 0–0 vs D.C. United

W 2–1 vs Miami

L 1–2 vs Charlotte

L 1–2 vs Chicago

L 1–3 vs Atlanta

Form takeaway: Columbus have been competitive but inconsistent; Philadelphia have struggled heavily, with only one win in their last five.

Series History

Last five meetings (ESPN):

Jun 29, 2025: Columbus 1–0 Philadelphia

May 10, 2025: Philadelphia 2–2 Columbus

Oct 5, 2024: Columbus 3–2 Philadelphia

Aug 28, 2024: Philadelphia 0–1 Columbus

Aug 21, 2024: Columbus 3–1 Philadelphia (Leagues Cup)

Trend: Columbus have won four of the last five.

Key Player Matchups

Columbus Crew SC

Wessam Abou Ali: 5 goals in 7 matches (team leader)

Taha Habroune: 2 assists

Patrick Schulte: 19 saves, 12 GA in 8 matches

Philadelphia Union

Milan Iloski: 1 goal, 7 shots on target

Alejandro Bedoya: 1 assist

Andre Blake: 19 saves, 12 GA in 8 matches

Team Statistical Comparison

CategoryColumbusPhiladelphia
Goals per game1.250.75
Goals conceded1.501.50
Possession54.2%50.5%
Shots on target4.753.75
Passing accuracy88%75%
Clean sheets11

Takeaway: Columbus dominate possession and chance creation; Philadelphia struggle in attack.

Betting Trends

Columbus unbeaten in 2 of last 3 at home.

Philadelphia have scored only 1 goal in their last 3 matches.

Columbus have won 4 of last 5 head‑to‑head.

Philadelphia’s attack ranks 27th in goals per game.

MATCH ODDS

Philadelphia Union         + 330

Columbus Crew SC          – 126

Draw                                     + 285

Over 2.5 – 128                   Under 2.5 + 108

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, April 24, 2026

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Profile: A dedicated Major League Soccer analyst with a comprehensive understanding of the league’s tactical evolution, player‑development pathways, and rapidly expanding competitive landscape. This columnist provides in‑depth coverage that blends match‑film study, advanced metrics, and league‑wide context to highlight the storylines shaping modern MLS. Background: With extensive experience covering professional soccer across North America, the columnist has contributed to national sports outlets and digital platforms, offering perspective on coaching trends, roster construction, and organizational strategy. A background in sports journalism and analytics supports a disciplined approach to evaluating performance, interpreting data, and tracking long‑term club development across all MLS markets. Signature Coverage Areas: Match previews and tactical breakdowns Player performance evaluation and advanced statistical analysis Transfer‑window movement, roster‑building strategy, and academy development Coaching philosophies, formation trends, and league‑wide tactical shifts Historical context, rivalry features, and postseason analysis Style & Approach: The writing emphasizes clarity, accuracy, and accessibility — translating complex tactical concepts and statistical models into insights that resonate with both long‑time MLS supporters and new followers of the league. Each column reflects a commitment to balanced reporting, thoughtful evaluation, and a deep appreciation for MLS’s growth, diversity, and evolving identity within global soccer.