Columbus Crew vs. Philadelphia Union: Clash of Styles Highlights Sunday Night Soccer Showdown

Two teams. Two styles. One massive statement opportunity.

Matchday 21’s Sunday Night Soccer spotlight shines on Lower.com Field as Columbus Crew host Philadelphia Union in what promises to be a tactically fascinating duel (6 pm ET | MLS Season Pass, Apple TV+). These are two of the East’s best – but they get it done in wildly different ways.

Contrast in Identity

• Columbus are the aesthetes of MLS, playing brave, beautiful soccer with smart pressing and sustained possession under Wilfried Nancy.

• Philadelphia, under new boss Bradley Carnell, have re-embraced their roots: direct play, fierce pressing, and a “we over me” mentality that’s put them top of the East and the Shield standings (40 pts, 12W-3L-4D).

The contrast is stark. The stakes are high. And the points could prove crucial in the playoff positioning and Shield race down the stretch.

Key Players to Watch

Columbus Crew

• Diego Rossi: 9 goals, 4 assists, and the beating heart of the Crew’s post-Cucho attack. His movement and passing are the glue for Nancy’s system.

• Dániel Gazdag: Facing his former club, the Hungarian hasn’t yet scored for the Crew but remains a cerebral operator who can punish Philly’s back line if he clicks.

• Jacen Russell-Rowe: The Canadian striker is heating up at just the right time, coming off a midweek brace. If he keeps converting, Columbus look much scarier.

Philadelphia Union

• Bruno Damiani: The $3M man buried a crucial penalty midweek and will again shoulder the attacking burden with Tai Baribo sidelined.

• Markus Anderson: With several starters out, the 21-year-old could step up in attack. Philly needs someone to find space and finish.

• José Martínez: The fiery midfield destroyer will be key in disrupting Columbus’ rhythm and launching those trademark Union counters.

What’s at Stake

For Columbus Crew

• A win narrows the gap to three points behind Philly and asserts them as serious contenders for another trophy.

• After an up-and-down May, this would mark a third straight win and a major morale boost heading into the summer.

For Philadelphia Union

• They’ve surprised many by leading the league again. Now they have to prove they belong.

• Winning on the road in Columbus without several regulars would further validate Carnell’s tactics and deepen belief in their title hopes.

Tactical Preview

Columbus Crew

• Expect a 4-2-3-1 that morphs into various build-up shapes as they work the ball up with patience and positional intelligence.

• They’ll look to break lines through passing triangles and overloads on the wings, where players like Rossi and Russell-Rowe thrive.

Philadelphia Union

• Their 4-4-2 diamond or a slightly tweaked version will likely sit deeper and look to pounce on mistakes.

• Carnell’s side will target set pieces and second balls, where Columbus have occasionally been caught lacking.

• Quick strikes in transition are the key — Philly want the Crew to have the ball… so they can steal it and go.

Prediction

This one hinges on efficiency. Columbus will likely dominate possession, but if Philly can press cleanly and Damiani delivers again, they could steal it. However, if Gazdag finally unlocks his new system and Russell-Rowe keeps firing, the Crew may edge it at home.

Projected score: Columbus 2, Philadelphia 1
Matchday Spotlight: Don’t miss this contrast in soccer philosophy – and a likely playoff preview.