Philadelphia Union
Union face red-hot Revolution in key Eastern Conference clash
The red-hot Revolution hosts the Philadelphia Union tonight for a chance to remain unbeaten in seven matches. The U, who hit the road for the first of three matches in seven days, aim to build on a frustrating 0-0 draw with Nashville at home last weekend. Although the Boys in Blue are unbeaten in four of their last five matches, they would love to turn draws into wins as they head into a busy week.
Revolution Riding Six-Match Unbeaten Run
The second-place New England Revolution caught fire as of late. Unbeaten in six, skipper Marko Mitrovic looks to keep his side perfect at home tonight against the Union.
Mitrovic took the reins at New England this past offseason, replacing Caleb Porter after an 11th-place Eastern Conference finish in 2025. Since, the Revolution became one of the toughest matchups in the league, rolling through the east and climbing all the way to second place after dropping three of their first four matches of the season.
According to center back Ethan Kohler, much credit is given to the culture Mitrovic brings, saying, “He’s a guy you want to run through a brick wall for.”
Although Philly’s seat on the struggle bus this year is well-worn, they may still pose problems for a New England side that has not defeated them in six matches. In those matches, the Union outscored the Revs 15-2.
However, threats loom across the pitch for Philly, and it all starts with their veteran Carles Gil. The Spaniard has three goals this season, tied for the most across the club with 18-year-old Peyton Miller.
To add to their attack, Argentine midfielder Luca Langoni has six assists this season, tied for second-most in the league behind Heung-Min Son.
At the back, the United States’ National Team goalkeeper Matt Turner sits between the sticks. Turner has three clean sheets through 10 matches, with 12 goals conceded throughout that time. The Revolution has the third-fewest goals conceded in the Eastern Conference behind Chicago and Nashville.
Keys to Success
New England’s success will fall on its transitions. Already proven to be defensively sound, can the Revs keep a struggling Union offense off the board and create chances on the break? Gil makes his money off of quick, route one movement, and with pacey forwards and wingers surrounding him, they could catch the Union out enough to continue their perfect record at home.
Can the Union Finally Find Their Finishing Touch Against New England?
Nine goals in eleven matches is not a winning recipe, and going up against a phenomenal New England defense may not help the matter.
Offensive struggles continue for a Union team that just can not seem to figure out how to threaten on the attack. A 0-0 draw found the squad a point at home against first-place Nashville. However, if you ask any Union fan, they will tell you the Boys in Blue should have taken all three.
The chances are growing week by week, but the question remains the same. Who is going to finish them?
One potential answer could have been Jesus Bueno, who continues to show signs of improvement in a side that aims to involve its midfielders high up the pitch. Although Jesus is questionable for the match this evening with an ankle injury.
Carnell added, “Jesus Bueno, with his ankle, we’re still assessing that, so we’ll see today what the medical guys say about it.”
Another answer comes from the improved play of Milan Iloski. Over his last five matches, he has added one goal and his lone assist while generating a team‑high xG of 2.55. When observing who may step up, it would be wise to look to your known leader.
If you ask Union fans, their answer would be Cavan Sullivan. Cav showed visual frustration after his early substitution in the match against Nashville. Yet Bradley Carnell welcomes the hunger of the young homegrown in his squad, claiming that the swap in the 69th minute of the last match was “not performance related.”
Goals need to come from somewhere, and Carnell’s XI on Saturday will be telling for who he has the most confidence in moving forward.
Defensively, a big hole in the armor comes with the absence of Japhet Sery-Larson this weekend, who injured his shoulder. I would expect Geiner Martinez to step up in his absence, as he was Larson’s replacement for the final 75 minutes of last week’s match.
Keys to Success
The Union plays well on the road, and this could work to their advantage. A defensively strong team, New England will look to pounce on the Union in the early stages of the match. If Philly can weather the strong and capitalize on their chances in transition, they may just walk away with some points to start their crowded week of matches.
You can catch the match on Apple TV+ at 7:30 p.m.
