The MLS champion Columbus Crew are one win away from a berth in the Leagues Cup final. To secure that honor, they must get past the Philadelphia Union in a semifinal today - Wednesday, Aug. 21 - at Historic Crew Stadium. This game will stream exclusively on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV Plus at 7:30 p.m. Eastern. A Spanish broadcast will also be available.
Apple TV+ offers a 7-day free trial for new customers. After that, a monthly subscription costs just $9.99 if you don’t cancel before the end of your trial.
Apple TV+ is a subscription TV service. It offers a selection of original production film and television series called Apple Originals as well as other entertainment and sports options. It’s known for its baseball and soccer sporting coverage. The service can be accessed through Apple’s website and through the Apple TV app, which is available on many Apple devices and some smart TV models and video-game consoles.
The Crew and Union: Two Different Paths to the Semifinals
The Crew will encounter a Union club that is making another appearance at the semifinal stage after falling short last season.
Philadelphia, who won the third-place game in last year’s Leagues Cup, entered this tournament with visible momentum after winning its previous two regular season matches over the New England Revolution and Nashville SC by a combined 8-1 margin. The Union took down FC Cincinnati, in the Round of 16 before outlasting Liga MX’s Mazatlán in a thrilling penalty shootout in the quarterfinals. Philadelphia Goalkeeper Andre Blake hauled in two saves during penalties, setting up Jesus Bueno’s game-winning kick.
Tai Baribo picked up a red card in the first half of the match and will be suspended for the semifinal. He has a League Cup-leading five goals.
Columbus outlasted New York City FC in penalty kicks 4-3. Both teams notched a goal each before reaching a stalemate after extra time. Columbus’ Cucho Hernández scored the equalizer after a stunning goal from NYC’s Alonso Martinez just 14 seconds into the match. DeJuan Jones booted the game-winning penalty kick to push the Crew into the semifinals.
The Crew knocked off last year’s Cup champion Inter Miami in the Round of 16. International legend Lionel Messi missed the game due to right ankle injury. Columbus overcame a two-goal deficit to send their fanbase into euphoria with the 3-2 victory.
The Crew had a bye in the group stage and defeated Sporting Kansas City 4-0 in the Round of 32.
What's at Stake for the Crew and Union?
If the Crew win, it would be their second final appearance this year, having already finished runner-up in the Concacaf Champions Cup title game against Liga MX’s Pachuca.
The winner of the Crew-Union semifinal will host the winner of the Los Angeles FC-Colorado Rapids game in the final, which is scheduled to take place on Aug. 25. Game times for the championship and third-place game will be announced following the conclusion of semifinals.
Both finalists, as well as the third-place game winner, will qualify for the 2025 Concacaf Champions Cup.
A Continent-Wide Showcase: How the Leagues Cup Works
The Leagues Cup has blossomed into a 47-team showcase featuring every Major League Soccer and Liga MX.
There are 29 MLS teams in the Leagues Cup. Liga MX clubs fields 18 teams.
The tournament is similar to the World Cup. The 15 groups are divided into two regions: East and West. The top two finishing teams from each group advanced to the single-elimination knockout rounds until a winner is crowned.
Betting Odds
Moneyline (regular time)
COL: -215
PHIL: +500
Draw: +380
Announcers and Broadcast Information
Jake Zivin (play-by-play) and Taylor Twellman (analyst) will have the call. The Spanish broadcast will feature Sammy Sadovnik (play-by-play) and Diego Valeri (analyst).
More information on how to watch the game on TV and streaming services:
