Photo: Marjorie Elsey
Who: Philadelphia Union vs. New York City FC
what: MLS Regular Season Round 14
where: Subaru Park, Chester, Pennsylvania
when: Wednesday, May 15th, 7:30pm ET
clock: Apple TV – MLS Season Pass
Whistle: undecided
The Philadelphia Union will host yet another match early in the MLS season, with rival New York City FC coming to town for a midweek matchup. After back-to-back Eastern Conference Championship matches in 2021 and 2022, neither team has been able to return to championship caliber so far in 2024.
Scouting Report: New York City FC
Last 5 matches (latest first) W – L – W – W – W
Despite the Pigeons' recent turnaround, winning four of their last five games, the New York City native sits in fifth place in the Eastern Conference with a 5-2-5 record. They have earned 17 points for the year.
Top scorer Santiago Rodriguez will be looking to add to his five league goals this year. He would carry out an attack on New York. Hannes Wolff is also an attacking option on the right. He leads New York with three assists on the year.
There will be some familiar faces facing off against the Coalition. Midfielder Andres Perea, who scored the winning goal last weekend, will be in defensive midfield. Former Union raw goaltender Matt Freese will be the netminder.
Injury Report: Out: Rio Hope-Gand, Maxi Morales.
Scouting Report: Philadelphia Union
Last 5 matches (latest first) L – D – L – L – D
It's been a dramatic start to the year for Philadelphia, to say the least. Star goalkeeper Andre Blake has spoken out about management's lack of ambition even as he battles injury. Head coach Jim Curtin has expressed dissatisfaction with striker Ty Balibo, and fans are starting to grow dissatisfied with starter Michael Uhle.
Philadelphia sits in the middle of the Eastern Conference, in ninth place at 3-5-3, but recent form has not been good for the Boys in Blue. They have conceded an average of 2.40 goals per game in their last five games, a worrying sign for a team built around defense and counter-attacking.
Injury Report: Out: Andre Blake. i doubt it: Marcus Anderson, Cavan Sullivan, Olivier Mbaggio.
Matchup to watch: Transition offense
Philadelphia likes to get in transition and create offense, but if their defense is shaky, they could play more compactly at home. If the defensive woes continue, it could be a long night for Chester.
Player to watch: Jose Martinez
Martinez typically enters these rivalry matches filled with emotion and speed. Martinez thrives in situations like this, but he needs to keep his emotions in check early on.
Prediction: Philadelphia Union 1-1 New York City FC
New York has been the better team lately, but Philadelphia took a step forward and saw a tie at home.
Number of lines:
Philadelphia: -115
New York City: +290
Draw: +270