In an exciting showdown between two leading teams in the Eastern Conference, Columbus Crew and the Philadelphia Union played to an intense 2-2 draw on Saturday night in Chester, Pennsylvania. The match was highlighted by a dramatic late equalizer from Sean Zawadzki during stoppage time.
Columbus Crew now sits with 25 points, placing them in a tie for the top spot in the Eastern Conference alongside Cincinnati and barely edging out the Union by two points. Zawadzki managed to level the score by redirecting a header from Diego Luna, following a skillfully taken corner kick by Dylan Chamost, sending the ball into the net from close range.
The Union kicked off the scoring just before halftime as Tai Baribo delivered his ninth goal of the season, equaling his personal best from 2024. The goal was set up by Quinn Sullivan who made a blistering run down the right flank before receiving a long free kick from goalkeeper Andrew Rick. Sullivan then provided Baribo with a deft setup for a one-touch finish right at the edge of the 6-yard box.
Columbus struck back in the 61st minute when Max Arfsten executed a well-placed volley off a precise cross delivered by Dylan Chambost, sending the ball inside the far post and drawing the teams level.
Philadelphia regained the lead shortly after, in the 64th minute, as Francis Westfield marked his first MLS goal. In a unique play, Baribo, nearly positioned at the 6-yard box, managed to set up Westfield even while falling. The 19-year-old made no mistakes with his one-touch shot from the top of the box, pushing the Union ahead 2-1.
Despite being outshot 16-10, Columbus Crew held the majority of possession in the match, controlling the ball for 65% of the game time, while the Union managed a solid performance despite limited possession, as they operated with only 35%.