The Columbus Crew are looking for the “bite” the team needs to have after their 1-0 loss to Nashville SC last weekend. Alex Muyl gave the visitors the lead halfway through the first half, with an off balance header that found the far post and into the net.
Despite having 19 shots and dominating the game, Crew head coach Caleb Porter praised the teams efforts. “I thought the game changed a little bit when we made a few subs, we’re able to play kind of play to Miggy [Miguel Berry] a little bit more and link up central with some combination play,” said head coach Caleb Porter.
“I don’t know how we don’t find one goal but the bottom line is, we have to be better,” Porter continued.
Match Preview: Columbus Crew vs Philadelphia Union
It’s not an easy test, as Columbus now have their backs against the wall, on the road as they travel to Chester, Pennsylvania to take on a high-flying Philadelphia Union squad.
“There’s never a mystery in what they’re doing. They don’t change their system, they don’t feel like they need to,” said Porter. “They do the exact same system, and they just execute.”
In their last six meetings, the Union have held five clean sheets against the Crew, which now proves a test on if history can continue or Columbus can break even and steer the boat in the right direction. The last time these two teams met, the Union won by a 3-0 scoreline.
“We’re gonna find out early in the year what we’re made of,” Porter exclaimed when ask if the team revels in opportunities like this when facing a good team.
The Union are coming into this matchup after securing their fourth straight win, with a 2-0 result over newly expansion side Charlotte FC. Julián Carranza and Dániel Gazdag found the back of the net for the Union, as Philadelphia now sit atop the Eastern Conference with 13 points through their first five matches.
Injuries & Suspensions
Columbus: Columbus is still without Kevin Molino (R knee) and Isaiah Parente (Illness) so they are listed as OUT.
Philadelphia: Nobody officially out for the Union, however Sergio Santos (hamstring strain) is listed as questionable.
