Philadelphia Union
Union square off with FC Cincinnati
The end of the season is upon us, Philadelphia faithful, as the Boys in Blue head to Ohio, aiming to remain at the top of the table and potentially clinch a playoff berth. The Philadelphia Union will face FC Cincinnati for the second time this season, looking to build on a rout of Chicago last weekend to remain atop the MLS Supporters’ Shield race.
The last time these two sides faced each other was the Union’s home opener, where a Tai Baribo hat-trick sealed a 4-1 victory for the U. Since, the Union continue their unexpected surge through the 2025 MLS campaign, only three wins from tying their most in club history, 19, set in the 2022 MLS Cup finalist season.
Meanwhile, it has been a season of ups and downs for FC Cincinnati, as the streaky side looks to find a victory at home after going winless in their last four matches at TQL Stadium. However, while inconsistent, Cincy still sits just two points shy of the Union in the Eastern Conference standings, and third in the Shield race. Never wavering, and with a platoon of new weapons since their last meeting with Philadelphia, FC Cincinnati look to claim the top of the East, and potentially the Supporters’ Shield, for themselves in this marquee matchup.
It is impossible to overlook Cincinnati’s attacking prowess when analyzing the team. From their top goalscorer and MLS MVP candidate Evander, who is joined by Tai Baribo with 16 goals in the 2025 campaign, to other threats like Kévin Denkey, who has 13 goals of his own, there is an abundance of attacking options that await the Union on Saturday night.
Although, the highs do not come without their lows, as FC Cincinnati have failed to hold a clean sheet in their last six matches. Some may be attributed to the loss of Miles Robinson on the backline, but the Orange and Blue will have their tallest task of the season defending a bolstering Union front line.
The Union attack have found themselves 10 goals in the last five matches, much of which are constructed by Kai Wagner, who leads the team with 13 goal-scoring chances created this season. Meanwhile, the Union’s newest weapon, Milan Iloski, is starting to find his footing, not only in Philadelphia, but with his goalscoring ability, already grabbing two goals in his first matches for the club.
However, the Union also face injury issues, with Andre Blake remaining out for this week with a hamstring injury. Andrew Rick will look to put another clean sheet up in the most important match of the 2025 season so far. Additionally, Indiana Vassilev is listed as questionable for this match after being diagnosed with a concussion.
Matches between these two sides never fail to disappoint. Cincinnati and Philadelphia have not drawn any of their last 5 matches against each other. Cincinnati sits at five wins against Philly while the U have defeated the Orange and Blue eight times. A result for either side would be crucial for the MLS Playoffs and Supporters’ Shield, with the Union having a chance to clinch a playoff berth at the final whistle. The Union can clinch in the following ways:
- Philadelphia Union win at FC Cincinnati AND New York Red Bulls LOSS/DRAW vs. Columbus Crew or…
- Philadelphia Union draw at FC Cincinnati AND New York Red Bulls LOSS vs. Columbus Crew
You can catch this match at 7:30pm ET on MLS Season Pass with Apple TV+.
