Union-Crew preview

Philadelphia had never won at match in Columbus before this year but a second victory at Mapfre Stadium on Wednesday would give the Union a sweep of the three-game season series.

More importantly, a victory would pull the Union (9-9-7) even with New York Red Bulls for third in the Eastern Conference with the same number of games played.

The Union had six losses and a tie in their first seven tries in Ohio before midfielder Chris Pontius scored twice for a 2-1 victory on March 12. Philadelphia also defeated visiting Crew SC 3-2 on June 1.

Crew SC (4-8-11) snapped a 0-4-6 streak on Saturday at New England with a 2-0 win to pull to within five points of the final playoff spot in the East. Ethan Finlay scored for the third time in two games and Federico Higuain also had a goal.

The significance of the victory will be lessened without three points against the Union.

"We need to not get overly amped up," Crew midfielder Justin Meram said. "We can't keep the win from New England with us. We have to put it behind us and really embrace the home game against Philly."

Mapfre Stadium has not been its usual fortress for the Crew, who have a 3-1-8 home record but has tied the past six matches there since beating Real Salt Lake on May 28.

Philadelphia is coming off a 3-1 home loss to Toronto FC on Saturday.

"I still believe in what we're doing, the players still believe in what they are doing," Union coach Jim Curtin said. "There are going to be highs and lows and we just need to keep pushing."