Columbus Crew vs Philadelphia Union Picks and Predictions June 29th 2025

Undermanned but Unbeaten: Union Put Streak on the Line Against Crew and a Familiar Face

The Philadelphia Union have spent the last two months looking like an unstoppable force, an unbeatable machine marching its way through Major League Soccer. They enter Sunday night’s marquee matchup against the Columbus Crew with the best record in the league and a club-record 11-match unbeaten streak. But this will be their toughest test yet. The league-leading Philadelphia Union are severely depleted by injuries and international call-ups, and they will be facing not only a strong opponent, but also a ghost from their past: their all-time leading scorer, Daniel Gazdag.

The Unstoppable (But Banged-Up) Union

Philadelphia’s run of form has been nothing short of spectacular. They are 8-0-3 over their last 11 matches, a stretch that has propelled them to the top of the MLS table with 40 points. Their success has been built on a foundation of complete, balanced soccer. They boast one of the league’s most potent attacks, ranking fourth in goals scored, while also having one of the staunchest defenses, having conceded the third-fewest goals. This all-around quality has made them a nightmare for opponents.

However, their organizational depth is about to be tested in a major way. The Union will travel to Columbus without a massive portion of their starting lineup. The biggest blow is the absence of striker Tai Baribo, whose 13 goals lead all of MLS. He is joined on the sidelines by several other key starters, including goalkeeper Andre Blake, midfielder Quinn Sullivan, and defender Nathan Harriel, who are all away on international duty at the CONCACAF Gold Cup. Defender Jakob Glesnes is also out due to a suspension, and several other players are nursing injuries. It’s a staggering list of absences for any team to overcome.

Despite the challenge, the players who are available remain confident. “We don’t have almost half the squad,” midfielder Jovan Lukic acknowledged this week. “But I think everybody is doing an amazing job. Everybody is ready for these kinds of moments, even the guys who don’t have too (many) minutes this season.”

The Gazdag Reunion: A Revenge Game in Columbus

Adding another layer of intrigue to this matchup is the man leading the line for the Columbus Crew: Daniel Gazdag. For years, Gazdag was the face of the Philadelphia Union, a clinical finisher who became the club’s all-time leading goal scorer. His recent departure and acquisition by the Crew was a major move in the Eastern Conference landscape. Now, for the first time, he will face the club he once captained.

The motivation for Gazdag will be immense. He is still searching for his first goal in a Columbus uniform, and there could be no better time or place to get it than against his former team. This “revenge game” narrative is always a powerful motivator in sports, a factor that is heavily considered in our expert betting guide. Every touch he takes will be under a microscope, making his performance a must-watch subplot.

The Crew’s Offensive Cycles

The Crew are well-equipped to take advantage of a short-handed Union side. They are formidable at home, with a 6-1-4 record at Lower.com Field, and are coming off a convincing 3-1 victory over Atlanta United. That win featured an offensive breakout from Jacen Russell-Rowe, who scored two first-half goals in his first start for the club, providing another dangerous weapon in their attack. Head coach Wilfried Nancy preaches a process-oriented approach, expressing confidence that if his team continues to create high-quality chances, the goals will come in bunches.

“The game is about cycles,” Nancy said. “Sometimes we can struggle to score an easy tap-in, and sometimes we can score really complex goals. This is football. The most important for me is to be able to attack the box as many (times) as possible. The fact that we’re able to do that, I’m confident for the rest.”

Every Play, Every Score, Live

Register Now

Get Free Trial

The Matchup and What to Expect

Sunday night’s clash is a fascinating puzzle. The Union are the better team on paper, but they are a shell of their full-strength selves. The Crew are a strong home team with a highly motivated superstar looking to score his first goal for the club against his old team. The scores and odds will be tight, but the extensive absences for Philadelphia may give the home side a slight edge. Can the Union’s “next man up” mentality be enough to steal a result on the road, or will Daniel Gazdag’s reunion be a happy one for Columbus? To see who our experts are backing in this marquee matchup, check out our daily soccer picks.