COLUMBUS, Ohio – MLS champion Columbus Crew is one win away from advancing to the Leagues Cup final. To secure that title, they must beat Philadelphia Union in the semifinals today – Wednesday, August 21 – at Historic Crew Stadium. That game will stream exclusively through the MLS Season Pass on Apple TV Plus. A Spanish broadcast will also be available.

Apple TV+ offers a 7-day free trial for new customers, after which a monthly subscription costs just $9.99 unless you cancel before the trial ends.

What is Apple TV Plus?

Apple TV+ is a television subscription service. It offers a selection of original movies and television series called “Apple Originals,” as well as other entertainment and sports options. It is known for its sports coverage of baseball and football. The service can be accessed through the Apple website and through the Apple TV app, which is available on many Apple devices and some smart TV models and video game consoles.

Will the Columbus Crew vs Philadelphia Union game be broadcast on TV?

No. The Leagues Cup semifinal between Columbus Crew and Philadelphia Union is available exclusively through the MLS Season Pass on Apple TV+..

How they got here

The Crew will face a Union club that is back in the semifinals after losing last season.

Philadelphia, which won last year’s Leagues Cup third-place match, entered this tournament with obvious momentum after winning its final two regular season matches against New England Revolution and Nashville SC by an aggregate score of 8-1. The Union defeated FC Cincinnati in the round of 16 before defeating Liga MX’s Mazatlán in a thrilling penalty shootout in the quarterfinals. Philadelphia goalkeeper Andre Blake saved two shots in the shootout and set up Jesus Bueno’s game-winning shot.

Tai Baribo received a red card in the first half of the match and will be suspended for the semi-finals. He is the leading player in the League Cup with five goals.

Columbus defeated New York City FC 4-3 in a penalty shootout. Both teams scored one goal each before the game was tied after extra time. Columbus’ Cucho Hernández equalized after a stunning goal by NYC’s Alonso Martinez just 14 seconds into the game. DeJuan Jones scored the game-winning penalty kick to send the Crew into the semifinals.

The Crew defeated last year’s cup winners Inter Miami in the round of 16. International legend Lionel Messi missed the game due to a right ankle injury. Columbus overcame a two-goal deficit and sent its fans into euphoria with a 3-2 victory.

The Crew had a bye in the group stage and defeated Sporting Kansas City 4-0 in the round of 32.

A win for the Crew would mark their second final appearance this year, after finishing second in the Concacaf Champions Cup final against Pachuca of Liga MX.

The winner of the Crew-Union semifinal will host the winner of the Los Angeles FC-Colorado Rapids match in the final, scheduled for August 25. Match times for the championship match and third-place match will be announced after the conclusion of the semifinals.

Both finalists and the winner of the third-place match qualify for the 2025 Concacaf Champions Cup.

What is the Leagues Cup?

North America’s two biggest leagues interrupt their regular season for a month and compete against each other in a major tournament to find out who is the best of the best on the continent.

The Leagues Cup has evolved into a competitive competition with 47 teams, with each Major League Soccer and Liga MX participating.

How many MLS teams are in the Leagues Cup?

There are 29 MLS teams in the Leagues Cup. Liga MX clubs provide 18 teams.

What type of tournament is the Leagues Cup?

The tournament is similar to the World Cup. The 15 groups are divided into two regions: East and West. The top two teams from each group advance to the knockout rounds, where a winner is determined.

What are the current odds for Columbus Crew vs Philadelphia Union?

Moneyline (regular playing time)

COL: -215

PHIL: +500

Draw: +380

Who is commentating on the Columbus Crew vs Philadelphia Union game on Apple TV Plus?

Jake Zivin (commentator) and Taylor Twellman (analyst) commentate. Sammy Sadovnik (commentator) and Diego Valeri (analyst) are guests in the Spanish broadcast.

More information on how to watch the game on TV and streaming services:

• What: 2024 League Cup semi-final: Columbus Crew vs Philadelphia Union
• When: Wednesday, 21 August 2024
• Time: 7:30 p.m. Eastern Time
• Where: Historic Crew Stadium | Columbus, Ohio
• Only streaming option: AppleTV+