Game Thread: Philadelphia Union 0 vs FC Cincinnati 1; Final

Game Updates

Follow along with live updates from the FC Cincinnati – Philadelphia Union game. The Union are looking to keep their playoffs hopes alive as they play the Orange and Blue in the MLS Eastern Conference semifinals. The winner will take on Columbus.

Second Half

Fulltime

90+5′- Even though the broadcasts replay shows Murphy offsides VAR says the check is complete and the goal stands.

90+3′- Mosquera picks up a header ball and his shot goes into the back of the net. VAR is taking a look at it.

90+2′- The shot from Cincy goes wide of the net and out for a goal kick.

90’+1- Cincy earns a free kick from just outside of the 18 yard box. Also, there is just 6 minutes of stoppage time here in the second half.

88′- FC Cincinnati making a switch here bringing on Badji for Boupendza.

86′- Harriel gets off an amazing strike from outside the box but it is saved by Celentano.

85′- Corner for the Union here, it is sent towards the center but is cleared out.

80′- While trying to get Martinez off the field, Philadelphia Union trainer Paul Rushing is shown a yellow card. We also see the official first change of the night as Bueno does come on for Martinez.

79′- Martinez is up now and still getting evaluated. Meanwhile Bueno is running up the sideline, looks like Martinez’s night is done as he is being assisted to the sideline.

76′- Poor challenge by Cincy’s Boupendza on Martinez. Staff is out to look at Martinez who is still on the ground. Meanwhile Boupendza is shown a yellow card for the hard challenge.

70′- Another chance for the Union and another block by Cincy’s backline.

63′- Uhre with a spin inside the 18 and gets a shot off, but it is blocked and sent out of play. Afterwards Mosquera tries to get Carranza sent off by going up to him and saying something. Carranza does a little shoulder tap and the award for most dramatic player on the pitch, Mosquera goes down holding his face and stays down for a few minutes. The ref wasn’t bitting on any of it.

57′- Union with just their third corner of the night. McGlynn’s service is sent towards the top of the penalty area. The ball is sloppily cleared out and finds the foot of Martinez, who sends a shot in but it continues to rise and goes out for a goal kick.

53′ Seventh corner for FC Cincinnati, is sent near the spot but it is cleared. The second chance ball is sent into the area and is blocked by the Union.

51′- Carranza shown a yellow card for a late challenge.

48′- Carranza gets a nice run down the side and gets a shot off but it goes to the side of the net.

47′- Cincy wins another corner here. Their sixth corner is sent towards the far post and is headed out of danger.

46′- The teams are back on the pitch for the second half. The Union send the ball forward and McGlynn takes a shot from outside the box that takes an awkward bounce but is saved by Celentano.

HALFTIME

Stats to know

Philadelphia Union
Shots – 6
Shots on Goal – 1
Possession – 40.3%
Fouls – 8
Yellow Cards – 1 (Lowe)

FC Cincinnati
Shots – 6
Shots on Goal – 3
Possession – 59.7%
Fouls – 9
Yellow Cards – 1 (Gaddis)

First Half

45’+1- The fourth official has posted that there will just be 1 minute of stoppage time.

43′- Mbaizo with another great cross but Uhre makes a late run towards the far post and the great low cross goes out for a goal kick.

40′- Union once again closing any lanes Cincy has to get off a clear shot from within the 18′ yard box.

39′- Great chance for the Union. McGlynn’s delivery is just a little short,  and Uhre couldn’t get his body on the end of the ball that was inside the 6 yard box. The U still have not registered a shot on goal yet.

35′- Cincy with their 5th corner of the night and it is headed away and out of danger.

30′- Former Union player Ray Gaddis is shown a yellow for a hard tackle. That is the first one of the game for FC Cincinnati.

27′- Mbaizo with an important body save to keep this game leveled, after Cincy was having everyone in the box doing a line dance.

16′- Dangerous free kick for the Union here as the kick is near the center and about 30 yards out. But McGlynn sends it directly into the wall, wasting the opportunity.

14′- Back to Back corners for Cincy and they were both defended well by the Union.

13′- Blake doing Blake things to keep the Union in this game, he comes up big after a miss hit by Mbaizo. Cincinnati has a corner from the near flag.

A booking in PIAA. Not MLS playoffs.#DOOP pic.twitter.com/NIlRHHUiZa

— Philadelphia Soccer Now (@phlsoccernow) November 26, 2023

12′- Lowe is shown a yellow card after he gets to the ball first but also takes out Cincy’s Acosta.

3′- Before the kick can take place, our ref Elfath has a nice strong talking to Martinez and a Cincinnati player. For the corner, Cincy plays it short and then the cross is blocked by the Union.

2′- Early dangerous free kick for Cincinnati here. It is played short towards the center of the pitch and sent into the box. However it goes out for the games first corner kick.

1′- The game is underway in Cincinnati. The boys in blue are wearing the cloud tops and are attacking from the left to right.

Starting Lineups

Philadelphia Union

Eastern Conference Semifinal #StartingXI ⚡

📝👉 https://t.co/MzCRDicxGJ#StrikeGold | #CINvPHI | #DOOP | #MLSCupPlayoffs pic.twitter.com/1FQdycz5ht

— X – Philadelphia Union (@PhilaUnion) November 26, 2023

FC Cincinnati

Our Starting XI for tonight's Eastern Conference Semifinal showdown 🔶🔷#CincyTilTheEnd pic.twitter.com/CmGF7cXpMI

— S – FC Cincinnati (@fccincinnati) November 26, 2023

Notes to read

Match Preview | Philadelphia Union vs FC Cincinnati
This season has been a rollercoaster for both teams, with Cincinnati clinching the 2023 Supporters’ Shield and the Union fighting to overcome past defeats. Key players from both sides, amidst injuries and suspensions, are set to play pivotal roles in what promises to be a thrilling encounter filled with strategic plays and potential game-changing moments. Dive into the full story to witness the buildup of this burgeoning rivalry and the anticipation of a match that could redefine the season.

Keys to the game | The U’s ‘Big Three’ Hold the Union’s playoff hopes
Despite their slightly lower output compared to the previous season’s remarkable offensive results, they remain a formidable force in the MLS playoffs. This season, the trio has contributed 37 goals and 14 assists, slightly less than last year but still impactful. As they face FC Cincinnati in the Eastern Conference Semifinal, they’ll encounter Cincinnati’s own top performers, Brandon Vazquez, Luciano Acosta, and Alvaro Barreal, who have collectively netted 30 goals and 18 assists, promising a closely contested match.

Injuries/Absences

Philadelphia Union

• OUT: Leon Flach (core)
• QUESTIONABLE: Jakob Glesnes (core)
• SUSPENDED: Kai Wagner

FC Cincinnati

• OUT: Nick Hagglund (hamstring)
• QUESTIONABLE: Santiago Arias (leg)
• QUESTIONABLE: Obinna Nwobodo (leg)
• SUSPENDED:Matt Miazga (Yellow Card Accumulation)

How to Watch

Where: TQL Stadium; Cincinnati, Ohio
When: 8:25 p.m.; Saturday, November 28, 2023
Streaming: Apple TV – MLS Season Pass

Officials