Philadelphia Union looks to continue its unbeaten form as the race heats up for the MLS Cup Playoffs when they welcome defending MLS Cup Champions, Columbus Crew on Sunday afternoon. Kick off from Subaru Park is set for 4 p.m. ET with the contest presented by Thomas’. Tickets for the contest are still available and opportunities for cheer on the Boys in Blue is running out as Sunday’s match marks just three regular season matches left in the Union’s home slate. Sunday’s match can be seen on both PHL17 as well as on PhiladelphiaUnion.com.
The Boys in Blue enter the weekend in a four-way tie for fourth place in the Eastern Conference and only one point behind rival D.C. United for third place. The Union have found their form with a three-match unbeaten streak after knocking off Orlando City SC, Atlanta United before getting a 1-1 draw on the road at New York Red Bulls. Sergio Santos continued his impressive streak of performances, putting the Union ahead in the first half only to see the rival Red Bulls answer quickly with a goal of their own. With the conference logjammed, the Union look to make the most of every match especially with the club having a game in hand compared. There will be at least one lineup change from the midweek contest with Jose Martinez suspended from the clash with the Crew due to yellow card accumulation.
The Union and Crew have already faced off twice this season and played to a scoreless draw in the MLS opener in April. At Subaru Park in late June, the Union racked up another shutout against the defending champs and claimed all three points with a strong finish from Jamiro Monteiro.
While Columbus comes into the weekend on the outside of the playoff line, the club comes into Chester riding high after lifting yet another trophy. While the Union had a midweek league match, the Crew hosted Liga MX’s Cruz Azul for the Campeones Cup on Wednesday night and pulled out a 2-0 win. Head Coach Caleb Porter was able to give some rest late in the match as he eyed Sunday’s contest, with dangerous midfielders Darlington Nagbe, Lucas Zelarayan and striker Miguel Berry all being substituted off. Expected back on the weekend is Gyasi Zardes who leads the team with seven goals and missed the match recovering from a hamstring injury.
