Entering the 2016 MLS season Columbus Crew SC had tremendous expectations. Crew SC came off a 2015 campaign that earned a second place finish in the Eastern Conference and ultimately advanced to the MLS Cup Final before falling to Portland Timbers. Meanwhile Philadelphia was coming off a disappointing 2015 season that saw them finish near the bottom of the table in the Eastern Conference.
With each club bringing their respective resumes into the new season it was a big surprise to most when Philadelphia left Columbus with a 2-1 victory in the second match of the 2016 campaign five months ago.