Picture Credits: Columbus Crew
On the one-year anniversary of the opening of the state-of-the-art Lower.com Field, the Black and Gold are starting to find their form. Columbus is currently on a four-match unbeaten streak, including two wins in three road wins. Columbus and Philadelphia have already met once this season, with Philly coming away with a 1-0 win.
Last Time Out
Columbus Crew
The last time we saw the Black and Gold take the field, they would be on their way to winning the Trillium Cup. It was a night to celebrate, as Jacen Russell-Rowe, who was signed earlier in the day, made his first MLS start, as well as assisting on both of the goals for Columbus. Columbus clung on to a 2-1 victory Wednesday night against Toronto, giving them eight points in a four-game stretch, including three of them on the road. Heading into this match, the Black and Gold currently sit in ninth place in the east, just three points behind New England and FC Cincinnati for the final playoff spot.
Philadelphia Union
Coming into this match, the Philadelphia Union currently sits third in the East, tied on points for first with New York Red Bulls and Montreal. Philadelphia is coming off a mid-week match in which they lost to the bottom of the table Chicago Fire 1-0 Wednesday night.
Injury Report
Columbus
OUT: NONE
QUESTIONABLE: Erik Hurtado (R Foot), Artur (R Leg), Marlon Hairston (R Thigh), Yaw Yeboah (L Ankle)
Philadelphia
OUT: Jose Martinez (Red Card) Brandan Craig (International Duty), Jack McGlynn (International Duty), Quinn Sullivan (International Duty)
QUESTIONABLE: Sergio Santos (Personal), Jesus Bueno (Calf)
Projected Starting XI
Keys To The Match
Stay Solid Defensively
Columbus has been among the best defenses in the league this season. Eloy Room has also come up big for the Black and Gold. Columbus is going to have to continue to be solid at the back if they want a chance to extend their unbeaten streak.
Let The Kids Play
It has been quite the revelation for the Black and Gold this season having many youngsters make their mark on the squad. Sean Zawadzki, Aidan Morris, Mohamed Farsi, and Jacen Russell-Rowe have all made appearances this year for the first team. Caleb Porter has talked about the trust and the fact that they earned the right to play .