Philadelphia and Columbus meet on Saturday night at ScottsMiracle-Gro Field with both clubs still trying to steady the start of their 2026 MLS seasons. The Union travel to Ohio carrying a 1-2-6 record, while the Crew are 2-3-4, and both sides are looking for a result that feels like a reset more than a statement.
The match is set for Columbus, with coverage on MLS on Apple TV and radio on 97.5 FM The Fanatic. Filip Dujic will referee, with Jeremy Kieso and Matthew Rodman as assistants, Sergii Demianchuk as fourth official, Kevin Terry Jr. on VAR and Jonathan Johnson as AVAR.
The Union are trying to extend their unbeaten run to four after a 3-3 draw with Toronto FC in which their press caused problems and Danley Jean Jacques played in an experimental higher role. They also conceded a stoppage-time equalizer to Toronto’s goalkeeper, a reminder that improved attacking moments have not yet translated into control for a full 90 minutes. Danley, Milan Iloski and Jesús Bueno have been working their way into form, while Olivier Mbaizo is out with a hamstring injury and Quinn Sullivan is sidelined by a knee injury.
Columbus comes in with a different kind of momentum after a rough opening stretch that included a five-game winless run. The Crew have won their last two matches, against Atlanta United FC and the LA Galaxy, and have had to adjust their attack after Wessam Abou Ali suffered a torn ACL in a Week 8 draw with Orlando City. Daniel Gazdag has been used up top as a false nine and has responded with a goal and an assist in two games in that role, a notable change after a rocky first season with the Crew. Max Arfsten, a U.S. international, gives Columbus another threat, while Diego Rossi leads the attack with four goals. Andre Gomes is out with a lower leg injury, Abou Ali is out with a knee injury and Mohamed Farsi is questionable with a sports hernia.
The matchup likely turns on Gazdag against the Union center backs, and that is where Philadelphia has looked vulnerable. Olwethu Makhanya and Japhet Sery have been slow to gel as a pairing, which gives Columbus a route into the game if it can move Gazdag into space and keep Rossi involved. Philadelphia’s offense has shown signs of life, but the Crew’s recent uptick and the Union’s shaky defensive balance point to a tight, uneven contest in which a draw is the most likely result. Philadelphia Union 1, Columbus Crew 1.