Columbus Crew SC had the chance to set their playoff future, but the visiting Philadelphia Union stymied the Black & Gold and ground the game into a scoreless draw.
Crew SC rolled out their strongest lineup for the pivotal game off a full week of training. The Union were playing their fifth game in 15 days, including a crushing Open Cup loss on Wednesday. Nine of the eleven starters also started the cup loss. It was the Union that would come out stronger with two early shots and causing turnovers in the midfield with a press.