Saturday night is going to be one of the biggest matches of the season for both FC Cincinnati and the Philadelphia Union. The Union sit atop of the Eastern Conference just two points ahead of FCC headed into this clash of the titans. If FCC or the Union can grab all three points this weekend, it could put that team in permanent control the rest of the season.
Philadelphia Union
Way back in March, Philadelphia played host to FC Cincinnati at home and handed FCC one their worst losses of the season. It was a night where the Union could do no wrong and were simply running circles around the Orange and Blue. An emphatic 4-1 victory, it very well could have been worse.
Since that early thumping, the Union have been arguably the best team in all of MLS. Holding down not only the top spot in the eastern conference, but also leading the shield race as well. The club has the best goal differential in the entire league at +22. The reason for that? The best defensive record in the league.
The union have only allowed 26 goals all season. That’s four fewer goals than NYCFC who is second in that category. The goals allowed is only one part of the equation though. This is a club that may not be at the top of the goals scored category, but they do have a potent offense as well. Union have two double digit goal scores in Milan Iloski, and potential MVP candidate Tai Baribo.
One of the things that makes this side so tough to beat is their propensity for last match heroics. This season, the Union have scored 10 goals in the 75th minute or later. Six of those goals have been match winners. Three of those six goals have been in the 90th minute or later, all of which were match winners. This team will not quit, no matter the score or time on the clock.
The Union are coming in on good form as well. Over their last five matches they have won three, lost one and drawn one. This past weekend they thumped a surging Chicago fire side 4-0. The only crack in this juggernaut’s armor is their away record. The Union are nearly unstoppable at home, but they have a pretty normal road record. In 13 matches away from Philadelphia the Union have six wins, two draws, and five loses. They also only have 14 goals away from home compared to the 34 they have scored at home.
FC Cincinnati
FC Cincinnati will be headed into this home match with a lot to prove. The Orange and Blue have lost their last two home matches both by a score of 1-0. In the Charlotte loss FCC had plenty of chances and just couldn’t get a goal, and then conceded after going down to 10 men with 20 minutes left in the match. This past weekend against NYCFC it was a much different story. After a decent first half FCC got outplayed completely in the second half. Couldn’t get much of the ball, and NYCFC looked like they could score on every single attack they went on.
Before these last two losses at TQL Stadium FCC had only lost at home twice, so they will be looking to get back to those winning ways on the home pitch. FCC will also be looking to exact some revenge for one of their worst defeats of the season. As discussed early, back in March the Union crushed FCC 4-1 in Philadelphia.
FCC still has a little bit of an injury crisis they are working through at the moment as well. Miles Robinson will be out again this weekend. He will hopefully be back next weekend. It was revealed that Brad Smith has a significant hamstring injury that he played with until halftime against NYCFC. Yuya Kubo also picked up a knock and could miss this weekend as well after returning from injury last weekend. Luca Orellano who missed last weekend is fit for this weekend which provides a huge boost for Pat Noonan.
While this match is huge for both clubs, it can be argued that it is more important for FCC to get all three points. The Union are currently holding a two point lead in the hunt for the eastern conference. A loss this weekend would put FCC five points back with just five matches remaining. In those five matches FCC have to play two of the best teams in the east, Nashville SC, and Orlando City. A loss could set FCC back just enough to make the distance too much in the final weeks.
Players to watch
For Philadelphia you could pick a lot of players, tons of quality at every level of the pitch. The two most important though are Milan Iloski, and Tai Baribo. Before coming to Philly Iloski had a stint at San Diego FC where he was scoring for fun. 10 goals in just 14 appearances. He’s made just four appearances for the Union and already has one goal and one assist. Tai Baribo is a player who will likely pick up an MVP vote or two at the end of the season. He scored a hat trick against FCC in their first match this season, and will be looking for more of the same this weekend.
For FC Cincinnati the player to watch is Luca Orellano. Luca missed out on the match against NYCFC, and his presence was definitely felt. FCC were missing his pace and his ability to run at defenders one on one and beat them. FCC is going to need him this weekend to give them another outlet in order to beat the top team in the east.
What to expect
FCC are going to need to play their best match of the season. Getting an early goal would be huge, and would have the TQL crowd buzzing. Philly aren’t as good away from home, but are still a very dangerous side, and they won’t be phased by a hostile atmosphere. It’s going to be a close match, and it doesn’t feel like either team has a great advantage over the other. These two sides are the best in the east, and it might just end in a hard fought draw.
Match Info
Where: TQL Stadium
When: 7:30 Pm EST
Watch: MLS Season Pass on Apple TV+
Recommended for you
