The Philadelphia Union, who earned a berth in the most recent Concacaf Champions Cup with a third place finish in last year’s Leagues Cup, open the 2024 edition at Subaru Park against Charlotte FC on Saturday night.
Up until last week, the 2024 season had not been kind to the Philadelphia Union. A winless streak spanning two months kept the Union anchored near the bottom of the MLS Eastern Conference and provoked a sit-down between supporters and the Union front office.
But then last week happened.
With 6 points up for grabs, 6 points were taken via a 5-1 win over the New England Revolution and a 3-0 win last Saturday over Nashville SC. Philadelphia became the first team since — well — Philadelphia in 2022 to record hat tricks on consecutive match days.
On Wednesday it was Israel international Tai Baribo, who has now scored six goals in the last seven matches for the U.
Saturday saw Daniel Gazdag score three of his own — the third time in his career — in the win over Nashville. The 6-point burst vaulted Philly into 10th place, just 1 point below the playoff line.
Charlotte added to the Union’s two months of misery back in June as Patrick Agyemang’s brace secured a 2-0 away win.
Charlotte find themselves firmly in the playoff zone in sixth position, thanks to their stingy defense. The Crown have only allowed 27 goals this season, second fewest in MLS. It should be no surprise, then, that Charlotte goalkeeper, Kristijan Kahlina, boasts the second-longest scoreless streak this season — 524 minutes between goals.
The win in Philly was no fluke either. Since June, Charlotte has managed to secure 12 points from seven away matches. They have scored four more goals on the road than at home this season.
Keep on eye on
Set pieces. Philadelphia has scored 15 goals on set pieces this season, topping MLS.
The end of each half. Charlotte only has 30 goals this season, but 14 have come in the last 15 minutes of each half, the same periods that Philadelphia has allowed 22 of their 42.
Players to watch
Karol Świderski, Charlotte: The Poland International returned from a loan spell and the European Championship last week to wreak havoc at Austin FC. Świderski finished with four shots, two on target and a goal.
Cavan Sullivan, Philadelphia: Sullivan became the youngest player to debut in MLS history last week in the Union’s 5-1 win over New England. The 14-year old prodigy is slated to move to Manchester City at 18, but in the meantime… “While we have him, let’s enjoy it.” Union coach Jim Curtin said after Sullivan’s debut.
