In three matches this season, Columbus Crew and Philadelphia Union have combined for… one goal. And as it stands, these two teams would meet in the playoffs. So what gives? How come the Union and Crew seem to cancel each other out so well?
Defensive structures
The Crew get a lot of plaudits for their buildup play in attack, but a significant reason they advance the ball the way they do is that it allows them to space the field well without losing defensive shape if they are countered. Philly has found this out the hard way.