Tactical Preview: Union against Columbus Crew SC

Philadelphia Union have a difficult task ahead of them if they want to undo an organized Columbus Crew defense. Under Caleb Porter, the Crew set up in a 4-4-2 that uses the front two to shadow lanes into the center and allows the wingers to tuck in defensively when the ball is played inside. In short, this is going to be a battle for control of the middle of the pitch, with the larger difference between how these teams play being in back.

Center backs releasing

Compared to the Union, Columbus uses more conservative center back movements. Jonathan Mensah and Gaston Sauro are not particularly quick, so asking them to follow checking strikers can lead to dangerous gaps in the back line.…