Philly Leader

Philadelphia Union resumed MLS action on Wednesday night, falling to the defending MLS and Leagues Cup Champions Columbus Crew by a 1-0 margin at Subaru Park. Next, the Boys in Blue will visit New York Red Bulls to renew their rivalry on Saturday.

Head Coach Jim Curtin made changes to Philadelphia Union’s lineup for their return to Major League Soccer play against Wilfried Nancy’s Columbus Crew side. The backline remained unchanged with Kai Wagner, Jack Elliott, Jakob Glesnes, and Nate Harriel protecting Andre Blake. Danley Jean Jacques made his first Union start in midfield alongside Alejandro Bedoya, Leon Flach, and Quinn Sullivan while Baribo and Gazdag were paired up top.

Columbus Crew's coach Nancy rested several key players after their victory over LAFC in the Leagues Cup Final. Andres Herrera made his Crew debut, while Aziel Jackson, Dylan Chambost, and DeJuan Jones had their first MLS starts.

In the 13th minute, Philadelphia Union nearly scored when a shot facilitated by Sullivan bounced off the post. Baribo’s close-range attempt was intercepted before Danley could capitalize on it.

Head Coach Jim Curtin was forced to make an early substitution in the 23rd minute when right back Nate Harriel left the game due to injury. Olivier Mbaizo replaced him.

Philadelphia's attacking efforts were thwarted again in the 38th minute when Mbaizo set up Sullivan for a powerful shot that hit the crossbar.

The match remained scoreless at halftime. Early in the second half, Philadelphia continued pressing forward with another near chance created by Mbaizo for Tai Baribo in the 54th minute.

In response, Wilfried Nancy made three substitutions in the 62nd minute, introducing Diego Rossi and Max Arfsten from his Leagues Cup-winning starting XI along with Yaw Yeboah who returned after more than a month out of action.

Both managers made further changes in the 72nd minute. Nancy brought on Cucho Hernández and Darlington Nagbe while Curtin substituted Alejandro Bedoya and Danley Jean Jacques with Mikael Uhre and Jack McGlynn.

Yeboah broke the deadlock in the 75th minute with a header off a pass from Arfsten. Columbus maintained their lead through to full-time, defeating Philadelphia Union upon both teams' return to MLS regular season play.

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