Columbus Crew SC are returning the favor and heading to Pennsylvania after a quick four-day turnaround from two sides' meeting on Saturday. That match sent the Union packing with a 1-0 loss. The second and final meeting between the Eastern Conference teams is set to kickoff on Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. ET at Talen Energy Stadium.
The Union hold an all-time record of 5-4-0 against the Black & Gold at home.
After the conclusion of Saturday night’s match, Crew SC holds an overall 10-7-1 record against Philly and are currently sitting in sixth place in the Eastern Conference with the Union trailing in ninth.
The Black & Gold played in a 3-4-2-1 formation; their second time doing so, and have won both matches with a shutout in that shape. The shutout was largely in part thanks to the solid back line consisting of Jonathan Mensah, and rookies Alex Crognale — who was later named to the MLSsoccer.com Team of the Week — and Lalas Abubakar — who was selected as the Acura Man of the Match by supporters.
Outstanding defense combined with Justin Meram’s 65th minute goal, the Black & Gold stepped off the pitch three points richer.
Columbus Crew SC travel to Philadelphia on Wednesday, July 26 to play the Union once again at 7:30 p.m. ET before traveling west to face Real Salt Lake on Saturday, July 29 at 8:00 p.m. ET on the road. The Black & Gold return home on Saturday, August 12 to battle the Chicago Fire at 7:30 p.m. ET at MAPFRE Stadium in Columbus.
