Columbus Crew vs. Philadelphia Union: Leagues Cup semifinal

Columbus Crew vs. Philadelphia Union: Leagues Cup semifinal

Columbus Crew vs. FC Cincinnati

The Leagues Cup semifinals will feature only teams from the United States and one of the most attractive matches has the reigning MLS champion, Columbus Crew, taking on Philadelphia Union, which is causing a surprise in this Concacaf-sanctioned tournament.

To qualify for this stage, Columbus drew 1-1 in the quarterfinals against New York FC and ended up winning on penalties by 4-3. The conversion came from Colombian striker Juan Camilo “El Cucho” Hernández.

Philadelphia was the bête noire of one of the last Mexican clubs alive in the competition, as they drew 1-1 with Mazatlán and beat them 4-3 in the penalty shootout.

Columbus Crew vs. Philadelphia Union Betting Odds and Info

Columbus 1.69Philadelphia Union 4.325 Draw Offs: 4.5
When?Wednesday, August 21 at 7:30 pm ET, 6:30 pm CST, 5:30 pm MT, 4:30 pm PT
Where?Lower.com Field
Where can I watch it?MLS Season Pass on Apple TV

Why Bet on Columbus Crew?

As the reigning MLS champions, Columbus Crew is under a lot of pressure. On their way to the semifinals they have taken care of Toronto FC, then the reigning Leagues Cup king, Inter Miami, and finally New York FC, with whom they tied 1-1, but beat 4-3 in penalty kicks.

Colombian striker Juan Camilo “El Cucho” Hernández continues to be their main reference point, as he scored the goal against NYFC, converted his spot-kick, and has already provided at least one assist in his last two matches.

In addition, he has 13 goals and seven assists in MLS, being the most important player in the game of the Crew. However, Uruguay’s Diego Rossi is their best converter in the Leagues Cup, with four celebrations.

Keeping a clean sheet has not been easy for the Crew, as they have conceded four goals in three international matches and 22 in 23 MLS games.

The club’s injured player is goalkeeper Evan Bush.

Why Bet on the Philadelphia Union?

Philadelphia Union did not have an easy time, but was able to reach the semifinals of this competition, after tying Mazatlan 1-1 at home and winning on penalties 4-3, despite playing with a man down for the entire second half due to the red card of forward Tai Baribo.

The team’s offense has been present in all the elimination games while allowing a total of three goals in this phase, that is, an average of one per game. They only kept a clean sheet in the Round of 16 against Montreal.

The absence of Israeli striker Baribo will weigh heavily on this side, as he is the top scorer in the competition with five goals.

However, the Union have a golden opportunity to make up for their bad year, as they are tenth in the MLS Eastern Conference, just outside the Playoffs. International competition is their lifeline.

Philadelphia has another loss: defender Isaiah LeFlore, who is injured.

Final Betting Analysis: Columbus Crew vs. Philadelphia Union

These clubs have yet to play each other this year, but Philadelphia is unbeaten in the last seven meetings, drawing on three occasions and winning on the other four. Their opponents’ last win dates back to 2020.

The numbers at Gambyl Exchange have Columbus Crew as the favorite. Their Moneyline shows 1.69, Philadelphia Union has 4.325, and the draw is at 4.5.

It is clear that, if Philadelphia Union reached this stage, it is because they have shown hierarchy in this playoff format, but we are going to go with Columbus Crew, which has remarked with its levels that these big matches serve to grow and, above all, because it has in Cucho Hernandez one of the most important players in the United States football.

We’ll go for a victory for the Crew by 2-1.

Go for a straight win for Columbus Crew in the Moneyline. If you bet $100 at 1.69, you will gain $69 for a total payout of $169.

Columbus Crew vs. Philadelphia Union Betting Pick: Columbus Crew

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