Philadelphia Union carry a five-match MLS unbeaten run into the Lone Star State this weekend as the Boys in Blue travel to face Western Conference side Austin FC on Saturday night.
Due to extreme heat in the Austin area, with temperatures expected to exceed 100 degrees, kickoff has been pushed back to 9 p.m. ET. Tune in on Apple TV as Philadelphia looks to extend its unbeaten run and continue climbing the Eastern Conference standings.
Strenuous Stretch
Saturday's contest will be Philadelphia's third match in seven days as the Union navigate one of the busiest stretches of their MLS schedule.
The Boys in Blue opened the week with a thrilling 3-2 comeback victory over New York City FC at Yankee Stadium on Sunday, erasing a two-goal halftime deficit behind three unanswered goals in the second half. Three days later, Philadelphia added another point with a 2-2 draw against Inter Miami CF at Subaru Park.
The Union struck first against Miami with a flowing team move that ended with Indiana Vassilev finding the back of the net. The visitors responded with two goals before halftime, but Philadelphia once again battled back after the break.
Milan Iloski delivered a dangerous set piece into the box, where Neil Pierre connected with a diving header to secure the equalizer. The goal continued a strong stretch for the Homegrown defender, who has recorded three goals and an assist over his last five MLS appearances since returning from his loan spell with Lyngby Boldklub.
Philadelphia now heads to Texas unbeaten in each of its five MLS matches since league play resumed.
As it stands
With 20 matches played, Philadelphia sits 13th in the Eastern Conference with 20 points. Despite its position in the table, the Union remain firmly within striking distance of the playoff places, sitting just four points behind D.C. United in ninth.
With the standings tightly packed, Saturday provides another opportunity for the Boys in Blue to continue closing the gap as they enter the latter stages of the regular season.
Scouting AustinÂ
Austin FC enters Saturday's matchup near the bottom of the Western Conference table with 20 points.
The Verde have won two of their five MLS matches since returning from the World Cup break, with both victories coming against Seattle Sounders FC. Austin opened the stretch with a 3-1 home victory over Seattle before dropping three straight matches.
They returned to the win column on Wednesday night, earning a 2-1 road victory over the Sounders ahead of their quick turnaround against Philadelphia.
Players to watchÂ
- Myrto Uzuni – The 31-year-old Albanian forward leads Austin with six goals in 2026 while adding five assists. Uzuni occupies one of the club's Designated Player spots and remains one of its most dangerous attacking threats.
- Facundo Torres – The 26-year-old forward leads Austin with six assists this season and has added two goals of his own. The Designated Player provides another creative threat Philadelphia will need to account for on Saturday.
Notes to know
- After missing Wednesday's draw against Inter Miami due to yellow-card accumulation, 24-year-old Serbian midfielder Jovan Lukic will be available for selection against Austin.
- Homegrown Cavan Sullivan will miss Saturday's match after receiving a red card late in Wednesday's draw against Miami following an altercation with Yannick Bright.
- Former Philadelphia Union Head Coach Jim Curtin is set to take over as Austin FC's head coach following the conclusion of the 2026 season. Austin is currently led by interim head coach Davy Arnaud following the departure of Nico Estévez.
- Philadelphia is one of just three MLS teams to remain unbeaten in league play since the World Cup break.
