Photo courtesy of Philadelphia Union

Who: Philadelphia Union vs Orlando City SC

What: MLS Regular Season, Matchday 7

Where: Subaru Park, Chester, Pennsylvania

When: Saturday, April 5, 7:30 PM EST

Watch: Apple TV MLS Season Pass

Whistle: Ismir Pekmic, Gerard-Kader Lebuis, Eduardo Jeff, Luis Diego Arroyo, VAR: Younes Marrakchi, Brian Dunn

Last week the Union put up a good fight in one of their toughest fixtures of the year, but ultimately fell 2-1 at Inter Miami, a result which saw Lionel Messi’s side surpass them at the top of the East. This week the Union will look to get back on track against Florida’s other team: Orlando City. Of course, the Union already crushed Orlando City in their first game of the season, winning 4-2 in Orlando on the back of a Tai Baribo double. But that was actually Philly’s first win over the Lions since 2022, and Orlando City has since righted the ship, pulling in just two points behind the Union in the standings. This figures to be a tougher battle than that season-opening romp.

Scouting Report: Orlando City (3-1-2, 10 points)

Orlando City came into the season with questions in the attack after selling their all-time leading goal-scorer Facundo Torres to Palmeiras in Brazil over the offseason. But so far this year they have more than answered those questions: Orlando currently leads the league with 15 goals scored through six games (the Union are tied for second with 13 goals scored). Martin Ojeda has led the way early with four goals and three assists from attacking midfield, while new signing Marco Pasalic has also gotten in on the action with four goals and one assist, including both of Orlando’s goals in the season-opener against Philly.

The Lions’ high-flying attack has helped paper over some uncharacteristic struggles on the other side of the ball; Orlando’s 12 goals allowed are tied for the worst mark in MLS, and their once steadfast goalkeeper Pedro Gallese is in a bit of a rough patch, with just 14 saves this season. The defense has recovered a bit since center-back and club captain Robin Jansson returned from injury a few weeks ago, but this is still a weak unit that Philly’s dangerous attack should feast on.

Orlando City were lucky to bag a win against the struggling LA Galaxy last week, relying on a penalty and a gaffe from “old friend” John McCarthy to seal the three points. Still, Orlando should not be discounted. Oscar Pareja’s sides have been among the most consistent in the league over the past few seasons, and the Lions will be eager to avenge their early-season walloping in Orlando.

Player Availability: Favian Loyola – Thigh (Out), Nico Rodríguez – Thigh (Out)

Scouting Report: Philadelphia Union (4-0-2, 12 points)

The Union played well in last week’s loss to Miami, outshooting the Flamingos 20 to 6. However the Boys in Blue were far from clinical, putting just six of those shots on target. Individual errors and a bit of Messi magic were enough to undo their effort and see the Union leave Florida empty-handed.

Unfortunately, Kai Wagner is set to miss his second match in a row with an oblique injury. Wagner’s presence will be sorely missed on the left side and over set pieces. Although Frankie Westfield has been a pleasant surprise thus far this season, there is no one on the team, and probably no one in the entire league, who can replace what Wagner brings at left-back.

Another spot to watch in the Union’s starting XI is at forward, where club-record signing Bruno Damiani has made just one start this season. Mikael Uhre and Tai Baribo showed some promising early-season chemistry, but Uhre hasn’t found the back of the net since the season opener. This might be the week to give Damiani a longer run.

Player Availability: Kai Wagner – Oblique (Out)

Key Matchup: Tai Baribo vs. Robin Jansson

MLS’ Player of the Month Tai Baribo got his terrific start to the season underway with a brace against Orlando City. Since then however, Orlando captain and defensive talisman Robin Jansson has returned from injury and helped solidify the Lions’ shaky defense. Whether Baribo’s crafty movement will be as effective against the experienced Jansson may be the key to the match.

Player to Watch: Jakob Glesnes

Fans may have hoped that a new season would provide a reset for the 2022 MLS Defender of the Year, but Glesnes has been inconsistent to start the year. You can’t get far in MLS without at least one standout center-back, so the Union need the big Norwegian to rediscover his form if they want to maintain a title push.

Prediction: 3-2 Union

These are two of the best attacking teams in the league this season, so it would feel silly to predict anything but a high-scoring affair. But I expect a slightly closer final scoreline than in the season-opener.