Philadelphia Union vs Columbus Crew – The Philly Soccer Site
Photo courtesy of Marjorie Elzey
WHO: Philadelphia Union vs Columbus Crew
What: League Cup, semi-final
Where: Lower.com Field, Columbus, Ohio
When: Wednesday, August 21, 7:30 p.m. EST
Regard: Apple TV Season Pass
Pipe: To be announced
For the second year in a row, Philadelphia Union will play in the Leagues Cup semifinals. This time, they will travel to Columbus, Ohio to face defending MLS Cup champions Columbus Crew. Ironically, Union and Crew were scheduled to face each other in MLS action next Saturday, but the game was postponed to August 28 to accommodate both teams’ Leagues Cup runs.
Scouting Report: Columbus Crew
Head coach Wildred Nancy has led the Crew to third place in the Eastern Conference, and in the Leagues Cup so far they have defeated two top opponents in Inter Miami CF and New York City FC. Although their games were close (they beat Miami by one goal and forced NYCFC into a penalty shootout), their Leagues Cup journey began with a bye in the group stage. In addition, Columbus has notable home court advantage, having lost just two of 41 games at Lower.com Field in all competitions.
Injury Report: N/A
Scouting Report: Philadelphia Union
Unlike their opponents, Philadelphia have played five games to reach the Leagues Cup semifinals and they will now enter with some notable changes to the squad. Tai Baribo, who leads the race for the Leagues Cup Golden Boot, will miss the semifinals due to two controversial yellow cards from Selvin Brown against Mazatlán FC. In midfield, Jose Martinez will most likely be replaced by Leon Flach as Martinez’s transfer to Brazilian club Corinthians is nearing completion.
Injury report: Jose Martinez (impending transfer), Tai Baribo (YCA)
Matchup to watch: Union Defense vs. Cucho & Rossi
It’s no secret how good Cucho Hernández and Diego Rossi have been this year – in their last 11 games in all competitions, the South American duo have combined for 18 goals and 13 assists – and for a Union defence that has at times been a shadow of its former self, this will be the ultimate test.
Notable Player: Daniel Gazdag
With Baribo out with a yellow card, it’s now up to Gazdag to keep the offense firing on all cylinders. Despite scoring 14 goals and two assists in 21 MLS games this season, he managed just one goal in the Leagues Cup.
Prediction: Union 1 – 0 Crew
As Jim said, “…we have guys that have guts.” And the truth is, when Philadelphia plays the way they play, it’s hard to play against them. All that matters now is that it The Team boarding the plane to Columbus.
