Match Report: Philadelphia Union 2 – 2 Columbus Crew SC
CHESTER, Pa. (May 10, 2025) – Philadelphia Union shared the spoils in a dramatic 2-2 draw with Columbus Crew SC at Subaru Park on Saturday night. The Union took the lead twice, but Columbus fought back each time to secure a point in stoppage time.
First Half Action
The first half saw both sides battling for dominance, but it was the Union who broke the deadlock. In the 45th minute, Israeli forward Tai Baribo found the back of the net, thanks to a brilliant setup from Quinn Sullivan and goalkeeper Andrew Rick, giving Philadelphia a 1-0 advantage heading into the break.
Second Half Drama
Columbus responded swiftly in the second half. In the 61st minute, Max Arfsten leveled the score with a well-placed finish after connecting with assists from Dylan Chambost and Mohamed Farsi. Just three minutes later, the Union struck back as Homegrown defender Frankie Westfield scored his first-ever career goal, reclaiming the lead for Philadelphia in the 64th minute off a setup by Baribo and Danley Jean Jacques.
However, the visitors refused to back down. In the dying moments of the match, Sean Zawadzki found the equalizer in the 93rd minute, assisted by Diego Rossi and Chambost, denying the Union the full three points.
Match Information
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Location: Subaru Park (Chester, PA)
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Date: Saturday, May 10, 2025
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Weather: 70°F and clear
Referee: Malik Badawi
Assistant Referees: Jose Da Silva, Eric Weisbrod
Fourth Official: John Matto
VAR: Sorin Stoica
AVAR: Fabio Tovar
Goals and Assists
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PHI – Tai Baribo (Quinn Sullivan, Andrew Rick) – 45′
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CLB – Max Arfsten (Dylan Chambost, Mohamed Farsi) – 61′
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PHI – Frankie Westfield (Tai Baribo, Danley Jean Jacques) – 64′
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CLB – Sean Zawadzki (Diego Rossi, Dylan Chambost) – 90+3′
Disciplinary Actions
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CLB – Yevhen Cheberko (Yellow Card) – 55′
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CLB – Malte Amundsen (Yellow Card) – 84′
Lineups
Philadelphia Union:
Andrew Rick; Kai Wagner, Nathan Harriel, Jakob Glesnes, Frankie Westfield; Quinn Sullivan (Chris Donovan 79’), Danley Jean Jacques (Jesus Bueno 78’), Jovan Lukic (Jeremy Rafanello 89’), Indiana Vassilev; Tai Baribo (Olwethu Makhanya 69’), Bruno Damiani (Mikael Uhre 69’).
Substitutes not used: Oliver Semmle, Nick Pariano, Alejandro Bedoya, Cavan Sullivan.
Columbus Crew SC:
Patrick Schulte; Yevhen Cheberko (Malte Amundsen 60’), Sean Zawadzki, Steven Moreira, Mohamed Farsi; Aziel Jackson (Jacen Russell-Rowe 60’), Dylan Chambost, Darlington Nagbe (Lassi Lappalainen 90’), Max Arfsten (Amar Sejdic 89’); Daniel Gazdag (Ibrahim Aliyu 78’), Diego Rossi.
Substitutes not used: Nicholas Hagen, Cesar Ruvalcaba, Taha Habroune, Derrick Jones.
Key Takeaways
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Westfield’s Breakthrough Moment
Northeast Philly’s own Frankie Westfield netted his first career goal for the Union, a powerful shot that briefly restored the lead in the 64th minute. His breakthrough was one of the highlights of the night, showcasing his potential as a strong defensive asset with attacking prowess. -
Strategic Adjustments by Carnell
Union coach Bradley Carnell opted to solidify the backline by switching to a three-defender setup, subbing in Olwethu Makhanya for Tai Baribo in the 69th minute. The shift intended to hold the 2-1 advantage but ultimately left the Union vulnerable in stoppage time. -
Positive Signs Despite Late Setback
Despite conceding late, Philadelphia showed strength and resilience throughout the match. Outplaying Columbus for much of the game, the Union’s performance hints at promising potential as they continue their campaign.
Next Up
Philadelphia Union will look to bounce back when they host LA Galaxy on Wednesday, May 14 at 7:30 p.m. ET at Subaru Park. Catch the game live on Apple TV.