Photo courtesy of Philadelphia Union

On a 70-degree summer night in Columbus, the Crew hosted the Union in a game that was a tough battle from the start, with Apple TV giving them only a 16 percent chance of winning (not exactly the greatest vote of confidence).

First half

From kickoff, Columbus set a brisk pace and exploited the space on the right side of the field. The Union decided against pressing early, knowing that this would play into the Crew’s fluid and dynamic style of play.

The pace of the game slowed until the 11th minute due to some early fouls, whether tactical or accidental. Despite this, the tireless Crew managed to break through when a fierce shot saved by Andre Blake fell straight into the path of Diego Rossi. Rossi, slipping behind a sluggish Jack McGlynn, headed home the first goal.

Union’s first big chance came in the 15th minute with a corner from Kai Wagner at the far post. Mikael Uhre managed a glancing header, but it bounced harmlessly into the ground and out of the field. In the first 20 minutes, Union only had 32% possession, a statistic that seriously hampered their game.

Without Baribo, Union lacked a key figure that had made them so dangerous in the Leagues Cup – a dynamic, powerful striker who thrives in build-up play. As a result, Uhre’s penchant for being “on the end” of moves (as Taylor Twellman described it during the broadcast) left a gap in Union’s ability to create chances in the opposition half.

Until the 32nd minute, the game followed a familiar pattern. It was almost poetic when Taylor Twellman addressed the Crew’s greatest weakness just five minutes earlier: their tendency to inflict injuries on themselves. Credit goes to Nathan Harriel, who forced a poor touch on the ball on the edge of the 16-yard box. The ball found its way to Daniel Gazdag, who skilfully slotted it past Schulte’s outstretched glove to equalize.

The Union breathed new life into their game, increasing their possession to 42% by halftime, but their momentum was broken in the 43rd minute when Diego Rossi collected a perfectly floated ball over Elliott’s head and effortlessly fired a one-timer that deflected off Elliott and into the net.

It felt like the Crew dominated the half, and the Union were no doubt relieved to go into the break down just 2-1.

Second half

The Union came out with renewed intensity and created an early chance for Uhre, who struggled to connect with a pass from Bedoya in the box before defenders crowded in. The third goal came from an incredible save by Blake, but Glesnes, with his feet like concrete, was unable to clear the ball. By this point, the Crew were running like mad, convinced they had done enough.

The rest of the game was back and forth, even with late substitutes like Adeniran, who managed to get a shot on goal, and the debut of Danley Jean Jacques, who impressed with accurate passing and his physical ability to take down opponents.

Important points:

• The starting eleven: When the lineup was announced, it was clear how Union would go: Flach at center back and Bedoya on the right. These choices suggested a defensive, reserved strategy. I was hoping to see new signing Jean Jacques at center back, and maybe Bueno or Sullivan on the right to add a little more pace to the wings.
• Debut: Speaking of Danley Jean Jacques, he made an impressive impression on his debut and I think Union fans will quickly grow to love him because of his size and football IQ.
• Match for 3rd place: The Union now host the third-place match and have the chance to secure a place in the CONCACAF Champions League at home this weekend – a small ray of hope after an otherwise disappointing end to the Leagues Cup.
• Back to the form: Before this game, the Union were undefeated in their last seven games, something they haven’t accomplished since the start of the year. This happened just in time to get into the playoffs later in the season – and I’m sure Baribo will be eager to contribute to that.