Henrik Rydstrom believes the expectations around the Columbus Crew need to be lowered slightly as they prepare to travel to out-of-form Philadelphia Union.

The Crew have slipped down the Eastern Conference to 13th after three straight losses, a run which has followed a 2-0 win over Philadelphia in the reverse fixture.

Columbus twice came from behind to level the scoreline against the New York Red Bulls in midweek but were ultimately undone when Julian Hall completed his hat-trick in the 78th minute.

Rydstrom believes there were still positives to take despite suffering their seventh MLS defeat of the season, but noted the current outside pressure was not helpful.

"They thought we were tough to play against, but we don't have a striker," Rydstrom said. "No, we don't, so we know where we are when it comes to that.

"It's also the expectations on the club, and the team are always big and should be, but at this point where we are right now, we need to lower that a little bit."

Philadelphia, meanwhile, are rooted to the foot of the East having accumulated just six points from 13 games so far (W1 D3 L9).

They have suffered back-to-back losses since a 0-0 draw with Nashville SC, including a last-gasp 4-3 defeat to Orlando City SC on Wednesday.

Cavan Sullivan impressed off the bench despite the defeat, getting his first MLS goal for the club, and the youngster hopes his form can help change the Union's fortunes.

"It is a pretty great feeling scoring my first. I have been working on this one for a while," Sullivan told Apple TV after that match.

"I scored in the Concacaf Champions Cup, but this one means a lot after a tough year and a half without one. I am really happy, but we just have to keep going and climb the table."

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Philadelphia Union – Cavan Sullivan

At 16 years and 227 days old on Thursday, Sullivan became the second-youngest player in MLS history to record at least one goal and one assist in a match (Freddy Adu, 15y 339d).

Sullivan also became the eighth-youngest player to score in the regular season.

Columbus Crew – Hugo Picard

Hugo Picard got the assist for Max Arfsten's goal against NYRB and created a game-high four chances for Columbus in the match.

He has created 21 chances overall this season, more than any of his team-mates, while his four assists in 2026 are also a team high.

MATCH PREDICTION: PHILADELPHIA UNION WIN

Columbus are unbeaten in their last six MLS matches against Philadelphia (W4 D2), though the Crew's last three wins against the Union have come on home soil.

Philadelphia have failed to score in each of their last two meetings with Columbus, including a 2-0 defeat in the reverse fixture earlier this season.

A home win has so far eluded Philadelphia in MLS this term, but they are still expected to use the advantage of being at Subaru Park. While they are winless in six on home soil, they have also failed to win any of their last six matches in the league.

Columbus are only on the slide, though; they have lost each of their previous three matches, conceding three goals each time. Their last two defeats have come on the road, but their last win was against the Union.

OPTA WIN PROBABILITY

Philadelphia Union – 44.5%

Draw – 24.7%

Columbus Crew – 30.8%