Philadelphia Union Set for Showdown Against Columbus Crew on Military Appreciation Night

PHILADELPHIA, PA – Philadelphia Union, riding a four-match winning streak, will host Columbus Crew in a critical league match this Saturday at 7:30 PM at Subaru Park. The match coincides with Military Appreciation Night, making the event significant for both fans and players.

The Union, currently in second place in the Eastern Conference, recently secured victories over Atlanta United, D.C. United, and C.F. Montreal. On Wednesday, they extended their winning run by defeating Indy Eleven in the U.S. Open Cup. This match against Columbus presents a chance for Philadelphia to solidify its position as a championship contender.

Columbus Crew tops the conference standings, leading with 24 points. The match holds personal stakes for Philadelphia’s former star, Daniel Gazdag, who will play at Subaru Park as an opponent for the first time after being traded to Columbus in April.

Head coach Bradley Carnell praised Gazdag, saying, “Dani was a great human being to work with. An exceptional footballer, extraordinary person, and it was fun working together.” Gazdag made a remarkable impact during his five years with the Union, scoring 59 goals and recording 31 assists in 125 appearances.

Union players have faced a demanding schedule this week, with Carnell rotating the lineup to manage fatigue. Young players Cavan Sullivan and David Vazquez recently received their first starts, showcasing the depth of the team. Despite challenges in the last match, only one player, Olivier Mbaizo, is currently questionable for Saturday’s game.

Philadelphia’s 22 points represent the best start in club history after 11 games, including five clean sheets and a remarkable +11 goal differential. Carnell noted potential injuries but expressed confidence in the team’s preparation, stating, “I think we’ve recovered well… we’ll be ready and prepared for a good Columbus matchup.”