Match previews / Union

Match preview: Philadelphia Union vs New York Red Bulls

Posted by on July 12, 2025 at 6:00 am

Photo courtesy of Philadelphia Union

Who: Philadelphia Union vs New York Red Bulls

What: MLS Regular Season, Matchday 24

Where: Subaru Park, Chester, Pennsylvania

When: Saturday, July 12, 7:30 PM EST

Watch: MLS Season Pass on AppleTV

Whistle: Marcos DeOliveira (Ref), Cameron Blanchard (AR1), Diego Blas (AR2), Lorenzo Hernandez (4th), Carol Anne Chenard (VAR), Andrew Bigelow (AVAR)

Rivalry week has arrived in Chester, and although severe weather postponed Wednesday’s U.S. Open Cup clash, the fight between Philadelphia Union and New York Red Bulls is far from over. With playoff implications and bragging rights on the line, both sides meet Saturday at Subaru Park in a high-stakes regular season showdown.

Scouting Report: New York Red Bulls 

The Red Bulls visit Chester looking to build on recent form that’s seen them take points in three of their last four visits to Subaru Park.

Emil Forsberg has been the creative spark in midfield, scoring in back-to-back matches and notching 25 goal contributions in his first 40 appearances with the club.

New York has struggled to find consistency on the road this season (1-2-2 in their last five away matches), but their high-tempo, transition-heavy style could test a Philadelphia side still re-integrating key players. With just two points separating them from the playoff line, every result matters—and a rivalry win would go a long way toward reasserting their presence in the East.

Injury Report: Cameron Harper (Out; Knee), Lewis Morgan (Out; Thigh)

Disciplinary Report: Raheem Edwards (Suspended: Red Card – Second Caution)

Scouting Report: Philadelphia Union

Philadelphia enters the weekend riding a fourteen match unbeaten streak against the Red Bulls and could be close to full strength for the first time in weeks.

Key homegrowns Nathan Harriel and Quinn Sullivan have returned from international duty, Frankie Westfield is back from an ankle injury, and reinforcements like Mikael Uhre and Jesus Bueno are nearing match fitness. Head Coach Bradley Carnell, a former Red Bulls coach himself, will look to press high and disrupt New York’s transition game while using the home-field advantage to reestablish rhythm after recent losses.

With only two points separating them from first-place Cincinnati, the Union are fighting to stay in the Supporters’ Shield race.

Injury Report: Ian Glavinovich (Out; Knee), Mikael Uhre (Out; Adductor), Jesus Bueno (Out; Hamstring), Frankie Westfield (Questionable; Ankle), Olivier Mbaizo (Questionable; Adductor)

Disciplinary Report: Alejandro Bedoya (one caution away from suspension/fine), Danley Jean Jacques (one caution away from suspension/fine)

Matchup to Watch: Forsberg vs. Philly’s Press

The Red Bulls’ Emil Forsberg will face the Union’s high-octane press for the first time in his MLS career. With both teams historically strong when leading at halftime, the battle for tempo and possession in the middle of the pitch could tilt the match early.

Player to Watch: Nathan Harriel 

Fresh off a Gold Cup run with the U.S. Men’s National Team, Harriel returns to bolster Philly’s back line. With New York dangerous in transition and Emil Forsberg in form, Harriel’s pace, timing, and defensive awareness will be key.

Prediction: Union 2-1 NYRB

Though the Red Bulls have struggled on the road, they’ve still managed to find the back of the net. Ultimately, it won’t be enough to outdo the Union at Subaru Park.

Author: Anna has been finding one way or another to be involved with soccer ever since she got kicked out of little league on the first day. A Union season ticket holder, you might recognize her in Subaru Park as the super loud Italian girl whose yelling accidentally scares the kids in section 101. She doesn't tweet, but you can occasionally find her on the Union subreddit sharing the custom shirts she makes for matches.

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