To begin the 2023 Major League Soccer season, the Columbus Crew travel to take on the Philadelphia Union, the reigning Eastern Conference Champions. All-time, the Crew is 14-11-6 against the Union, although the Black & Gold have lost the last two games.
A lot has changed for Columbus during the 2022 offseason. New head coach Wilfried Nancy was hired from CF Montreal, captain Jonathan Mensah was traded to the San Jose Earthquakes and fan favorites Pedro Santos, Derrick Etienne Jr. and Artur have departed from the club.
The Union, meanwhile, return much of the same team that lost to LAFC in penalty kicks in the MLS Cup Final to conclude the 2022 season.