Photo Credit: Marjorie Elzey
Who: Philadelphia Union vs CF Montréal
What: MLS Regular Season, Matchday 18
Where: Subaru Park, Chester, Pennsylvania
When: Saturday, June 1, 7:30 PM EST
Watch: MLS Season Pass on Apple TV
Whistle: TBD
On the eve of the June international FIFA window, Philadelphia Union host CF Montréal at Subaru Park. The Union are winless at home in the last five games, most recently battling Toronto FC to a scoreless draw on Wednesday night. They’ll look to break their unlucky streak at home against a Montréal team who has only won two games on the road so far this season and sits 13th in the Eastern Conference at 4-7-4.
Montréal lead the overall series against Philadelphia 10-9-9.
Scouting Report: CF Montréal
Coming off a 4-2 win on Wednesday versus D.C. United, the Montrealers come to Subaru Park looking to pick up points in a third consecutive match in their climb up the Eastern Conference table. Leading the way is Nigerian striker Sunusi Ibrahim, who has seven career goals as a substitute with CF Montréal. The club record currently stands at eight, held by Anthony Jackson-Hamel.
Overall, seven CF Montréal goals this season have been scored by players off the bench. The club record is also eight, set for the first time in 2021 and tied in 2022. Montréal’s bench may prove to be an annoyance for Philadelphia, a team that struggles with depth. Keeping fresh legs will be pivotal in order to avoid giving up a late game goal.
Montréal has three players who are currently one caution away from a suspension/fine: Mathieu Choinière (CM), Ariel Lassiter (LW), Samuel Piette (DM).
Injury Report: Matias Coccaro (Out), Ousman Jabang (Out), Lassi Lappalainen (Out), Josef Martinez (Out), Mahala Opoku (Out), Mason Toye (Out)
Scouting Report: Philadelphia Union
New month, new Union?
Looking to leave the woes of May behind, the Union look to add onto their new unbeaten at home “streak”. With three consecutive clean sheets, the defense is finding its footing while the offense continues their trial and error method. The Union have not scored in open play versus 11 men in 362 minutes. With the inevitable (and impending) departure of Julian Carranza, the Union will need players to step up and become goal scorers.
Damion Lowe is currently Philadelphia’s only player who is one caution away from a suspenion/fine.
Injury Report: Andre Blake (Out), Isaiah LeFlore (Out), Julian Carranza (Questionable)
Matchup to Watch: Union Offense vs. Themselves
Blake Zuschnitt said it best in his Tactical Analysis of the Toronto game: “What once was an unquestionable home-field advantage has become home-field anxiety.”
Jim Curtin said as much in his post-game presser: “Guys certainly are a little nervous at home to make mistakes and that is not a way for us to play.”
With Carranza back in the mix of things, and the defense returning to stability, what will it take for the offense to shake the anxiety off?
Player to Watch: Leon Flach
It’s no secret that Flach has returned a new player to this team. While he still hasn’t proven to be able to provide consistent ability and chance creation going forward, he holds down the base of the midfield diamond.
Prediction: Philadelphia Union 1 – 0 CF Montréal
With the likely return of Julian Carranza to the lineup, look for the Union to be more electric than they were Wednesday night. With the return of Leon Flach allowing the defense to find its footing, it’s time for the offense to do their part.
According to Curtin’s press conference today, Carranza’s availability will be a game time decision.
Caranza is a difference maker. Other teams must pay attention to him. Uhre and the other bench forward are a step down. Sullivan has helped more than I thought but he will not do the dirty work that Caranza does like backtracking on defense nor does Sullivan have the same skills set in the box that Caranza has . If you move Sullivan inside he is not the same player. He is best suited as wing where he can use his speed , agility and passing ability. The Union are in a bit of a pickle when he leaves.
Carranza had 14 goals in 28 start along with 6 assists in 2023. Gazdags goals were from mostly PKS in 2023.
Caarranza has scored 6 goals in 11 games. He makes Gazdag a bigger threat just with his presence. The Union must go to the outside to replace him just to stay level. There is ” NOBODY” on the bench to step up and fill his shoes. That is just CYA nonsense coach speak. Tanner must make a move.
Oh what, you have no faith in the “Drexel Drogba?”
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They don’t have any one on the bench currently who can fill Carranza’s shows, nor any one who’s proven that they can score goals consistently (or at all).
yes sir you are correct !
if they bring in the younger Sullivan when Carranza leaves they risk their investment with Man City. Financially that would be a disaster. Uhre has no trading value. Hate to say it, but it is time to sell Martinez while his value is still good and Flachs playing ability is growing.
How would playing the younger Sullivan be a disaster?
I don’t agree with the statement but I think joe b is suggesting that bringing Cavan on to get hurt risks the deal. But in actuality part of the deal was for the union to continue to grow him and he has to play for that to happen.
Freddy Adu syndrome 2 much +2 soon = 4 gone conclusion that young 14 year old sullivan might not be mentally be ready or physically ready to play against grown ass men. Its a risk that can be avoided if they sell Martinez and acquire a vet forward or roll the dice on another youngish procspect not from drexel, vilanova, or penn . Hopefully from another country. How about Italy I have heard they play soccer ther. Montreal seems to have luck finding players there …. oh I forgot we dont spend real money. LOL
I think you should ger a consulting fee from Tanner, all good options, regarding Cavan Sullivan they have to play him to get max worth, there is always a risk of injury setback but it will not be an even switch with Carranza.
They play different positions. They’ll bring Caban in for late game minutes to fill in for Gazdag over the next month while he’s away in Europe.
Breaking News. Union HULK is BACK.
We wouldn’t like him if he got mad and I guess Union Bruce Banner finally got mad.
Carranza is still out tonight. 5 in the back with Lowe, Mbaizo, and Martinez in for Harriel, Bedoya, and Sullivan who are all on the bench.
C’mon you boys in blue !
We need a win pretty badly – let’s Go!