Philadelphia Union ties Columbus Crew 2-2

May 10, 2025

Chester, PA

It was a big game.  Although there was not much spread at the top of the MLS East Table, the well-coached Columbus Crew sat as number one while the Philadelphia Union occupied the second slot.  The game’s outcome was predicted to impact the standings.

That did not happen, as the game ended in a 2-2 draw.

That said, Philadelphia played well even while the team’s starting goalkeeper, Andre Blake, nursed another knee injury.  The youngster Andrew Rick carried the torch in Blake’s stead for the important game.  Indeed the score stood with the Union leading 2-1 until Columbus broke through during stoppage time.

Philadelphia started the scoring just before half-time in the 45th minute.  Rick punted the ball long to a cutting Quinn Sullivan.  Sullivan crossed the ball right to the waiting Tai Baribo, who shot the ball in for his eighth goal on the season.  The goal left Baribo and Sullivan tied for first in MLS in the respective categories of goals scored and assists, and gave the Union the lead before the half.

Columbus came back in the 60th minute to level the score at 1-1. Dylan Chambost crossed to the left to a wide open Max Arfsten, who scored by shooting into the right corner of the goal.

The Union roared back in the 64th minute. Danley Jean Jacques brought the ball down the on the left side of the field.  Rather than cross, Danley pushed the ball around the front of the Columbus goal.  Baribo tried to get control of the ball, but as he slipped, the best he could do was to shove the ball into the open right side of the box. Frankie Westfield sprinted onto the ball and scored into the top right corner of the goal.

It looked as though Philadelphia would hold on for the win as the game moved into 4-minutes of stoppage time.  However, on a corner in the 3rd minute of stoppage time, Sean Zawadzki found the top left corner of the Philadelphia goal.  The game ended with that 2-2 scoreline. With each team earning a single point, Columbus dropped to second and the Union dropped to third on the MLS East Table. FC Cincinnati took over the first place slot.

Photographs of the game appear below:

 

Philadelphia’s Nathan Harriel pushing back on Columbus’s Diego Rossi.

Now a member of the Crew, Dániel Gazdag returned to Subaru Park where he debuted in the MLS for the Union. Danley in one of his patented moves bringing the ball downfield.

Kai Wagner, pressing onto the ball.

Philadelphia’s Jovan Lukic defending Columbus’s Rossi.

Wagner settling the ball against his chest. Columbus’s Patrick Schulte saving a rocket shot from Wagner.Philadelphia’s Indiana Vassilev on the ball.  Philadelphia’s Bruno Damiani sprinting with the ball toward goal.