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