Match previews / Union

Match preview: Philadelphia Union vs Toronto FC

Photo courtesy of Philadelphia Union

Who: Philadelphia Union vs Toronto FC

What: MLS Regular Season, Matchday 28

Where: Subaru Park, Chester, Pennsylvania

When: Saturday, August 9, 7:30 PM EST

Watch: MLS Season Pass on AppleTV

Whistle: Ref: Tori Penso (Referee), Brooke Mayo (AR1), Matthew Nelson, Luis Diego Arroyo (4th),  Jorge Gonzalez (VAR), TJ Zablocki (AVAR)

The first-place Philadelphia Union return to MLS action at home this weekend, hosting Toronto FC on Saturday night at Subaru Park. Currently sitting atop the East and Supporters’ Shield standings as the first team to secure 50 points, they’ll look to maintain their momentum through the final nine matches of the 2025 regular season.

Scouting Report: Toronto FC 

Toronto FC (5-13-6, 21 points) aim for their first road win over the Union since 2019. The Reds hold a narrow 14W-12L-8T edge in the all-time series, having earned results in three of their last four meetings before falling 2-1 to Philadelphia in May.

Toronto returns from the Leagues Cup break to open a busy August, looking to rebound from back-to-back road losses to Charlotte FC and Nashville SC. Veteran goalkeeper Sean Johnson recently moved into third on MLS’s all-time list for regular season minutes played, while midfielder Matty Longstaff is one appearance away from his 50th with the club.

A major storyline is the arrival of new Designated Player Djordje Mihailovic, acquired from Colorado Rapids after tallying 23 goals and 22 assists in 63 appearances for the club. Toronto has also been active in the transfer market, trading Tyrese Spicer to Orlando City for up to $550,000 in GAM and making multiple allocation money deals with other clubs. The team also loaned forward Hugo Mbongue to Vancouver FC for the rest of the season. With roster changes in motion and a tough road challenge ahead, TFC looks to spark a late-season turnaround.

Injury Report: Nicksoen Gomis (Out; Lower Body), Sean Johnson (Out; Head), Zane Monlouis (Out; Lower Body), Henry Wingo (Out; Lower Body)

Disciplinary Report: N/A

Scouting Report: Philadelphia Union

Philadelphia Union return to MLS action after a two-week break following their dramatic 2-1 comeback win over Colorado Rapids in May and a 2-2 friendly against Eintracht Frankfurt. Head Coach Bradley Carnell’s squad has used the downtime for rest, training, and roster reinforcement. Of note is Ernst Tanner’s recent signing of 26-year-old American striker Milan Iloski, who is available for selection this weekend.

Sitting near the top of the Eastern Conference, the Union are in a tight race with Cincinnati and Nashville, separated by just three points. Carnell warned of Toronto’s danger in transition, pointing to winger Theo Corbeanu’s dribbling ability and the lessons learned from their first meeting. In that May encounter, Philadelphia overcame a late deficit with goals from Nathan Harriel in the 86th minute and Kai Wagner in stoppage time. With the playoff race intensifying, the Union see this match as a key opportunity to maintain momentum and avoid a slip against an underdog opponent.

Injury Report: Ian Glavinovich (Out; Knee)

Disciplinary Report: Jakob Glesnes (one caution away from suspension/fine), Jovan Lukic (one caution away from suspension/fine)

Matchup to Watch: Djordje Mihailovic vs. Union midfield

Mihailovic’s debut for Toronto adds a creative spark and goal threat through the middle, but he’ll have to navigate around the likes of Quinn Sullivan, Indiana Vassilev, and Jovan Lukic. How well they can disrupt Mihailovic’s distribution and limit his space between the lines could dictate Toronto’s attacking rhythm.

Player to Watch: Kai Wagner

The veteran left back was decisive in the last meeting with Toronto, scoring the stoppage-time winner. His ability to push forward, deliver pinpoint crosses, and exploit space left by Toronto’s transition defense makes him a constant threat, especially against a side that has struggled on the road.

Prediction: Union 2-0 Toronto FC

Philadelphia’s home form and attacking depth should prove too much for a Toronto side still trying to find their footing.

3 Comments

  1. I h9pe you are right about the scoreline.
    Milan makes debut in the 60th minute ?

    • I think a good call there. Bradley has built a club of 4 super strikers now, so I suspect he will continue with the strategy of bringing in Super Subs against tired legs. I am going with the 70th minute.

  2. George Diamond says:

    Sean Johnson out with a concussion per Rocky Mountain Outlook, not looking good for Toronto!

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