Former Philadelphia Union goalkeepers to face off in MLS Cup final

A former Philadelphia Union goalkeeper will be lifting MLS Cup for the second time in three years on Saturday in Los Angeles as the Galaxy play host to the New York Red Bulls.

Philadelphia native John McCarthy is the starting goalkeeper for LA Galaxy and Carlos Coronel is the expected starter for the Red Bull. McCarthy, a North Catholic and La Salle University graduate, came off the bench in the 2022 MLS Cup final and won the penalty kick shootout that decided the final in LAFC’s favor over his former team.

The 32-year-old McCarthy, who played for Reading United and Ocean City Nor’easters before turning pro with the Rochester Rhinos, made 30 appearances in all competitions for the Philadelphia Union and 26 appearances for Bethlehem Steel over the course of four seasons playing for his hometown club from 2015-2018.

Coronel made four first team appearances and eight second team appearances during his shortened loan stint with the Philadelphia Union from Red Bull Salzburg in 2019. The Brazilian was supposed to be on loan through the season but was recalled in July 2019 due to an injury crisis at the Bundesliga club. McCarthy played for the Tampa Bay Rowdies in 2019 so he and Coronel never crossed paths in Chester. McCarthy returned to MLS with Inter Miami from 2020-2022 and was with LAFC from 2022-2023 before making the move to Carson last offseason.

Former Union keepers have been something of a theme this postseason with Matt Freese helping lead NYCFC to the Eastern Conference final, veteran Zac MacMath starting for Real Salt Lake and former FC Delco and Union youth keeper Zach Steffen starting for the Colorado Rapids. Joe Bendik dressed but didn’t play for Vancouver Whitecaps this postseason.

Former Union and Bethlehem Steel forward Cory Burke is in his second season with Red Bull. He scored 45 goals between the Union (30) and the Steel (15) over 160 appearances (110 first team, 50 second team) all competitions from 2016-2023.

The MLS Cup final is slated for a 4 p.m. start on Saturday.