The Philadelphia Union will travel to Ohio this weekend for a key match against FC Cincinnati, with both teams vying for the top spot in Major League Soccer’s Eastern Conference. The Union currently lead the conference after a 4-0 win over Chicago Fire, but Cincinnati trails closely with 52 points, just two behind Philadelphia. With only six matches remaining in the regular season, Saturday’s game could have significant implications for playoff positioning and the pursuit of the Supporters’ Shield.
Head Coach Bradley Carnell commented on the importance of early-season results compared to this upcoming 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.
He added: “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.”
Both teams have seen changes since their last meeting nearly six months ago due to new arrivals, departures and injuries. In their previous encounter at Subaru Park during Philadelphia’s home opener on March 1st, Tai Baribo scored a hat trick while Bruno Damiani added a stoppage time goal in his debut for a 4-1 victory.
Philadelphia can secure a playoff berth if they win against FC Cincinnati and New York Red Bulls lose or draw against Columbus Crew; alternatively, if Philadelphia draws with Cincinnati and New York Red Bulls lose to Columbus Crew.
The match is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. at TQL Stadium in Ohio and will be available via MLS Season Pass on Apple TV.
