There’s a lot on the line this weekend for the Philadelphia Union as they take a trip to Ohio to face FC Cincinnati in a battle for first place and the chance at to secure a playoff spot. Don't miss the action with MLS Season Pass on Apple TV.
After last week’s dominant 4-0 performance against Chicago Fire, the Boys in Blue plut themselves back at the top of the East, but second place Cincinnati is close behind with 52 points – just two less than Philly. There are just six matches left on the regular season schedule, and for both teams, three points against another conference contender could have a significant impact on their pursuit of the Supporters’ Shield.
Saturday’s contest is shaping up to be a marquee matchup across the league, and after the team's matchday -2 training session, Head Coach Bradley Carnell provided a unique perspective on his view of the weight of the match.
“I feel the first three games of this season were way bigger than this game. For me, setting the tone very early on, getting points in the bank, accumulating little streaks here and there, and going unbeaten through May, I think those have been the biggest challenges,” Carnell said.
“Now, I don't want to say we've achieved something, but the guys have a lot of credit in the bank, and at this point, I think it's excitement, enjoyment, freedom. There's a lot of those terms that we use now, just to take each game as it comes. There's emotion in every game. When there are fans in and they’re paying hard earned money in the stadium, when you're playing away from home, there's always challenges lurking and just around the corners. We're trying to learn to embrace the emotion, to enjoy the pressure and move on with that.”
Matches between Philadelphia Union and FC Cincinnati are historically competitive, but there will be some new faces added to the rivalry as this weekend’s host had a summer of additions. There’s been major changes to both sides between arrivals, departures, and injuries, and with almost six months separating their last meeting back on March 1st, it'll be a clean slate head-to-head at TQL stadium.
When Cincinnati visited Subaru Park for Philly’s home opener, Carnell’s crew took three points in dominant fashion, winning 4-1 by way of a Tai Baribo hattrick and a stoppage time goal from Bruno Damiani in his first game for the club. Should they take three points again, they’d have a chance to clinch their spot in the playoffs.
Here’s how: Philadelphia will clinch a berth in the Audi 2025 MLS Cup Playoffs if…
- Philadelphia Union win at FC Cincinnati AND New York Red Bulls LOSS/DRAW vs. Columbus Crew or...
- Philadelphia Union draw at FC Cincinnati AND New York Red Bulls LOSS vs. Columbus Crew
The can't miss matchup begins at 7:30pm in Ohio -- tune in with MLS Season Pass on Apple TV to watch the action!
