With new head coach Wilfried Nancy on the sidelines in his Crew debut, the Black & Gold showed off its new aggressive style of play as they controlled the match early. Columbus scored the game’s first goal in the 28th minute when a Cucho Hernandez shot from outside the box flicked off the heel of Philly defender Jakob Glesnes and into the net.

But after that goal the game turned rough and ended with a 4-1 loss Saturday night to defending Eastern Conference champions the Philadelphia Union in Chester, Pa. a Philadelphia suburb.

The loss is the first for the Crew in its MLS season opener since 2016.

GAME STATS

TIMELINE

PHILADELPHIA LINEUP

COLUMBUS CREW LINEUP

COURTESY MLS, COLUMBUS CREW AND PHILADELPHIA UNION