Photo: Ron Soliman
Who: Philadelphia Union vs. Minnesota United FC
What: MLS Regular Season, Matchday 7
Where: Subaru Park, Chester, Pennsylvania
When: Saturday, March 30, 2 p.m. Eastern
Watch: AppleTV – MLS Season Pass
Whistle: Unavailable at time of publication
Philadelphia Union look to extend upon their first win of the season on Saturday as they welcome Minnesota United FC to Subaru Park. To date, the two clubs have met 8 times, with the current standings at 2 wins and 2 losses apiece as well as 4 draws.
With the Professional Referee Organization (PRO) and Professional Soccer Referees Association (PSRA) having finalized a new Collective Bargaining Agreement, Matchday 7 will mark the return of match officials represented by PSRA to MLS games.
Scouting Report: Minnesota United FC
With a bye, Minnesota United got an extra week to prep under new head coach Eric Ramsay. The Loons currently sit atop the Western Conference with 10 points from four matches (3W-0L-1D), and word is Emanuel Reynoso is finally set to return to the starting XI.
A draw at Subaru Park this weekend would equal Minneosta’s best-ever start to an MLS campaign, while a win sets a new record. Everything is setting up for the Loons to be a genuine contender at the top of the West, but first they have to make their way through Philly.
Scouting Report: Philadelphia Union
The Union bounced back last weekend in Portland despite missing 6 starters and having only a handful of players on the bench. A Julián Carranza brace led the way in a 3-1 win that saw Philly with just 32% of the game’s possession.
It’s no secret that the Union have had a less than ideal start to their 2024 season, but it’s still too early to count the Union out. “This group tends to be at their best when maybe they’re counted out”, said Jim Curtin. A full week of training with the entire group back and fit for action may signal a fresh start for this Union squad.
Player Availability: Leon Flach (Out), Isaiah LeFlore (Out)
Key Matchup: Minnesota Defense vs. Julián Carranza
Minnesota would be wise to deny Carranza the opportunities he managed to exploit against Portland. If they don’t, expect to see a spark of confidence in a Philly team that is looking for some momentum moving forward.
Player to Watch: Jakob Glesnes
Was it a dream or were there signs of the old Jakob Glesnes during last week’s game in Portland? The Norwegian center back hasn’t played to the Defender of the Year caliber that fans have come to expect from him, but a limited squad against Portland may have triggered a “sink or swim” mentality. Let’s just hope the waters aren’t too choppy moving forward.
Prediction: Philadelphia Union 2 – 1 Minnesota United FC
It’ll be a close game with a lot of close calls, but in the end, the U will take the 3 points at home. Look for Carranza and Sullivan to make all the difference in the scoreline.
Every season the Union have played their first game with non-replacement refs as a home matinee against Minnesota, they’ve made MLS Cup. So they are basically shoo-ins this season.
Lol
The loons are a hot club playing with confidence and the new offensive mindset pushing more players up and pressing deep to get on the board early and often with hot players like lod pukie and reynoso look out Philly this club is hungry!
I have a feeling this is about to be the most entertaining game of the season so far. Union coming off first MLS win of the season and having a very strong attack with carranza. Minnesota Having a great start to the season and getting used to a new manager. I predict a chaotic 3-2 win
I think it’s an amazing way to get the 1st dub of the season. So many reasons we were underdogs. No Gazdag, not even Blake, no Martinez either. Wow Jeremy Rafenello, 2 shots from distance 1 leading to Sullivan’s goal.
As we’ve seen other teams do, I expect Minnesota will continuously foul and harass Carranza and Uhre to knock them out of rhythm as a way to disrupt the offense. I hope, but don’t expect the ref makes calls in the Union favor. If it were Messi going down, they would make the calls, even on soft fouls, but refs never seem to blow the whistle for us.