Union fall short in Columbus after near-halftime gut punch

The Philadelphia Union came up just short in a gritty 1-0 loss to the Columbus Crew on Sunday night. With a storm delay separating both halves and key players missing, it was always going to be a challenge and Columbus took full advantage.

The tone was set just six seconds into the match when Alejandro Bedoya was beaten for pace and blocked his man to stop a break. The veteran was shown a yellow, and though the free kick that followed didn’t result in a goal, it helped Columbus settle in. They controlled the first half from that point on.

Wilfried Nancy’s Crew moved the ball as best as they could with the Union often breaking up their play and making it difficult. Wing-back Mo Farsi, was constantly involved, popping up all over the pitch. His hard work paid off immediately before the break. In the 46th minute, in additional time, he made a surging run, beat Kai Wagner to the ball, and finished off a low cross that was flashed across the face of the Union goal. Wagner didn’t track him, and Farsi punished him for it. The timing was brutal and it completely changed Philly’s game plan for the second half.

Already short on attacking options, the Union struggled to create chances. The absence of Tai Baribo was especially felt. The Israeli striker leads the team with 13 MLS goals, and his finishing has been key to their success this season. Without him, the Union once again lacked punch up top and looked short on ideas in the final third.

Still, they just about had their moment. In the 66th minute, Olwethu Makhanya won a header off a corner and sent it across the goal. Bedoya got on the end of it, but his shot was cleared off the line by the Columbus defense. That was as close as the Union came all night.

From there, it was a match filled with blocked shots, broken attacks, and frustration. Former Union standout Daniel Gazdag couldn’t find his rhythm. Even after throwing on more attackers, Philadelphia failed to register a single shot that troubled backup Crew keeper Evan Bush.

Columbus stayed composed and kept control throughout. They’ve now gone over a year without losing to the Union and lead the all-time series 18 wins to 13.

Philadelphia still sits in first place in the Eastern Conference, but the gap has narrowed. FC Cincinnati is just one point behind and riding high, especially after the recent addition of Evander from the Portland Timbers.

Up next, the Union head to GEODIS Park to face Nashville SC on Saturday, July 5th. The last time these two met, Nashville walked away from Subaru Park with all three points in a match full of controversial refereeing calls. Since then, they’ve gone unbeaten in 13 matches under head coach B.J. Callahan and now sit in third place. Striker Sam Surridge leads the MLS Golden Boot race with 16 goals and will be one to watch. It’ll be another big test for a Union side looking to bounce back and stay at the top.