COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — The Crew is preparing for the next game like it is any other game on the schedule. They will tell you every game is important, which is clearly 100 percent true, but this one is different for two reasons.

First, Columbus leads the Eastern Conference with 24 points, only two points ahead of Philadelphia and Cincinnati. On Saturday night, the Crew heads to Philadelphia for a game that will decide who takes first place with the winner collecting three points.

The second part of this is Daniel Gazdag, the Crew’s new midfielder, who they traded for a month ago after playing four-plus seasons in Philadelphia.

“I’m excited to go back. This is going to be the first time that I’m playing that as an opponent. So obviously it’s a little bit more than just a game, but even if were we win the game, it’s going to be only three points,” Gazdag said. “It’s just another game, but for me personally, obviously, it’s a little bit more.”

Gazdag has been slowed by a leg injury, missing the last game. But he is planning to return for this homecoming in Philly. He also just signed an extension with the Crew through 2027 with a club option for 2028. A lot has happened in the month since the trade and this trip, in a way, will bring this four-week stretch to a close.

“I spend four amazing years, so obviously it’s going to be it’s going to be nice to play there again,” Gazdag said.

Kickoff at Suburu Park is set for 7:30 p.m. on Saturday.