The phrase "six-point game" is tossed around a lot toward the end of any season, but surely the Columbus Crew and Philadelphia Union could be forgiven for looking at tonight's tilt in that manner.
Columbus (11-9-8, 1st Eastern Conference) travels to PPL Park to face Philadelphia (8-7-12, 3rd Eastern Conference) in what could be a key match in determining the MLS Cup playoff situation in the East. The game starts at 7:30 and will be broadcast locally on ONN as well as 610 AM and in Spanish on 103.1 FM.
-What's at Stake
With a mere 5 points separating these squads, postseason positioning can be greatly affected by tonight's outcome. With a win, the Crew can 8 pull points clear of Philadelphia and set sights on the top playoff seed from the East. However, if Philadelphia comes out on top, the Union can greatly aid their own playoff chances while pulling Columbus back down into a potential dogfight for an Eastern playoff spot. A draw likely favors Columbus, as they look to prevent any Eastern rivals from making up ground.
-Matchup History
In these teams' other meeting of the season, the Crew prevailed 2-1 in Columbus on August 20th. Columbus is 3-0-0 all time against Philadelphia.
-The State of the Crew
The Crew are winless in their last three matches, with lopsided losses to Seattle and Toronto, and a 2-2 midweek draw against Houston. Their last win came against Philadelphia in August.
-The State of the Union
Philadelphia comes into tonight's match winless in their last eight MLS tilts, their last win coming on July 17th against New England. They are coming off back to back draws, 4-4 against New England and 0-0 against Portland last Saturday.
-The Outlook
With both teams in the middle of rough patches, a win by either side could create a momentum swing that could dramatically alter the look of the the Eastern Conference playoff picture. With so much on the line, look to see the Crew try to play a tight, controlled game in hopes of a road draw, and the Union to press in hopes of solidifying their playoff chances.
-Other Games to Watch
After the lights go out in Philadelphia, the Crew will be sure to keep an eye on the Kansas City-Salt Lake match (9:00, MLS Direct Kick), as 2nd-place Kansas City faces a tough road test before next Friday's home clash with Philadelphia that could further adjust the complexion of the Eastern postseason outlook. A win by Kansas City, coupled with a Crew loss or draw, would knock Columbus out of first place in the East with 5 games to play.
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