Photo courtesy of Marjorie Elzey

Who: Philadelphia Union vs. Eintracht Frankfurt
What: Club Friendly
Where: Subaru Park
When: Saturday, August 2nd, 5:30 PM
Watch: Free livestream on PhiladelphiaUnion.com
Whistle: Not available at time of publication

Amid swirling rumors of incoming and outgoing transfers, the Philadelphia Union will play host to Bundesliga side Eintract Frankfurt in an friendly exhibition match. Dubbed the ‘Sister City Showdown’ in reference to the international partnership between Philly and Frankfurt, it will be the second ever matchup between both sides who originally clashed in 2018. The Boys in Blue came out winners in that first game thanks to a Derrick Jones winner and will look to grab another victory today. 

On the other hand, Die Adler (The Eagles) are coming off a strong year in the Bundesliga which saw them qualify to the Champions League for the first time in club history and are carrying a strong squad to help tune up ahead of their season. While tickets are available for purchase online, and included for Season Ticket Members, fans not attending can watch a free stream on the Union’s website with commentary by Sebastien Le Toux and Dave Leno. Philly Phaifthul will be excited to see the return of homegrown player Paxten Aaronson, who seems poised to play a big role for Frankfurt in their upcoming campaign.

Scouting Report: Eintracht Frankfurt

SGE had a banner year in the 2024/25 season. Managed by Dino Toppmöller, they finished in third place in the Bundesliga accumulating 17 wins. This saw them finish in a UEFA Champions League spot, an historic achievement for the club. While they have lost some of their star players in the last 6 months, the massive transfer fee they received for Hugo Ekitike courtesy of Liverpool (€95 Million) will go a long way in replacing their outgoing talent. The return of players from developmental loan spells – like Paxten Aaronson – will also reinforce their squad as they prepare for the balancing act necessitated by the UCL this year. 

The Schlappekickers have played three friendlies prior to this one, winning two and tying one. Most recently, they defeated the Danny Cruz coached USL-Championship side Louisville City SC by a score of 5-2. 

There’s every reason to expect a high intensity match from one of the strongest Bundgesliga sides as they continue to gear up for their upcoming season. 

Frankfurt’s starters and subs against Louisville: Trapp (GK), Baum (60′ Chandler), Theate (60′ Amenda), Koch (46′ Collins), Højlund (60′ Bekir Is), Chaibi (46′ Larsson), Kristensen (46′ Nkounkou), Bahoya (60′ Fenyö), Batshuayi (46′ Burkardt), Aaronson (46′ Götze), Dills (74′ Knauff).  

Scouting Report: Philadelphia Union

While this is technically a bye week for Philly, this matchup serves the important purpose of keeping key players sharp. By not participating in this year’s Leagues Cup, the Union have spared themselves much schedule congestion. But, with only 9 MLS games remaining in the regular season, and the Union atop the league standings, the Supporter’s Shield is within touching distance. Any dropped points would feel doubly worse and the Boys in Blue will need to keep in form. What’s more, these matches are always a good chance to give some of the rotation and youth players time to shine. Finally, with the rumor mill churning out indications that All-Stars Kai Wagner (LOSC Lille) and Tai Baribo (Fluminense) may be on the way out, exactly who plays for the Union today could be an indication of any outgoing transfers. Bonus update: if you haven’t heard, the Union are reportedly close to signing Milan Iloski from FC Nordsjælland, who most recently turned heads on loan at San Diego FC. Could this mean Tanner is preparing for life without Baribo?

Either way, while the actual result is not the most important outcome in these friendly games, the Union will relish the chance to play a UEFA Champions League level squad and one that has some hometown and national connections through Paxten Aaronson and Timmy Chandler. These matchups are a sort of ‘measuring stick’ of quality, if an imperfect one. The Union have put up some pretty memorable performances in friendlies over the years and this could prove to be another one. 

Key Matchup: Union Defense vs Frankfurt Attack

With just 24 goals allowed, the Union defense is currently the best in the league. Going up against the type of quality that a top-level Bundesliga side posses will be a great test for them.

Player To Watch: Paxten Aaronson

A homecoming for the younger Aaronson. It will be great to see him playing at the Soob again even if it’s against his boyhood club. 

Prediction: Union 2 – Frankfurt 1 

Union score off a corner. A Paxten Aaronson equalizer gives Frankfurt hope but the Union grab a second to win it late. Do we still get chicken from friendly games?