Facing a 8-game winless streak and the absence of their veteran leader and goalkeeper Faryd Mondragon, the Philadelphia Union (8-7-12) will play host tonight to the first place side in the Eastern Conference, Columbus Crew (11-9-8). Kickoff at PPL Park is scheduled for 7:36:30 PM ET.
If you have not already, be sure to check out the following preview from The Brotherly Game staff: [Ben's Match Preview] [Scott's Preview For SB Nation Philly] [Saturday Afternoon Union Freekicks].
Broadcast Information: The Comcast Network (JP Dellacamera, Taylor Twellman, Bob Rigby), coverage beginning at 7:00 PM Eastern with a pre-game show / ONN (Dwight Burgess, Duncan Oughton), News Talk 610 WTVN-AM (Neil Sika) and La Mega 103.1 WVKO-FM (Carlos Cordova, Benny Pietrangelo) in Columbus / MLS Direct Kick, MatchDay Live (The Comcast Network feed)
Philadelphia Union Starting XI: MacMath; G. Farfan, Valdes, Califf, Williams; Carroll, Adu, Torres, Pfeffer; Le Toux, M. Farfan
Philadelphia Union Bench: Holder, Mwanga, McInerney, Nakazawa, Langley, Okugo, Miglioranzi
Columbus Crew Starting XI: Hesmer; Miranda, Gehrig, James, Francis; O'Rourke, Rusmir, Rogers, Duka; Mendoza, Heinemann
With a win, and a Sporting Kansas City loss, the Philadelphia Union could potentially pull back in the race for first place in the Eastern Conference. Of course, one the flip side, if the Union lose and Houston Dynamo win, that would spell complete disaster for the Union. Our staff will give live comments and reactions throughout the game, as well. Go Union! DOOP!