Photo courtesy of the Philadelphia Union

Who: Philadelphia Union (1st place, 54 points, 16-6-6) vs. FC Cincinnati (2nd place, 52 points, 16-4-8)
What: 2025 MLS Regular Season, Matchday 31
Where: TQL Stadium
When: Saturday, August 30th, 7:30 PM
Watch: MLS Season Pass on Apple TV+, Radio: 97.5 FM
Whistle: Ref: Sergii Boiko, AR1: Jeremy Kieso, AR2: Andrew Bigelow, 4th: Elton Garcia, VAR: Shawn Tehini, AVAR: Eric Weisbrod

In a top of the table showdown, the Supporters’ Shield leading Philadelphia Union will travel to the heart of the midwest to face off with rival Shield contenders FC Cincinnati. The Union are flying high after a 4-0 rout over Chicago propelled them back into first place. However, the Boys in Blue will still be without 3x MLS Goalkeeper of the Year Andre Blake. 

Meanwhile, Cincy is looking to rebound from a home loss against NYCFC and will have to do it in spite of injury concerns, which has left their defensive depth thin. The recent return of Brenner will boost their spirits as the Garys continue to push for top spot in the East and the league. 

It’s all going down at TQL Stadium as the two squads – who have developed something of a rivalry – will clash in one of the biggest matches of the season. This one will be chock full of shield and playoff implications, so make sure to tune in!

Projected FC Cincinnati lineup

Scouting report: FC Cincinnati (L-W-L-L*-D^)

* Leagues Cup vs Chivas  ^LC: Lost shootout 3-4 vs Juárez

Cincinnati have looked nigh unbeatable for long stretches this year. They were aggressive in the offseason, and both of their big signings in Evander (16 goals and 9 assists) and Kévin Denkey (13 goals and 1 assist) have paid off. 4th year Head Coach Pat Noonan has once again built a balanced squad that lives through their pressing. Cinci utilizes wingbacks and typically lines up in some variation of a 3-4-1-2. Similar to the Union, the Garys want to win the ball back around midfield and quickly counter attack. Their use of wingbacks could pose some trouble to the Union, as their fullbacks push high, which will leave space open to exploit.

However, recent form, injuries, and a key departure have raised some sizable problems for the Knifey Lions to navigate as the season nears its final stretch. For starters, Cinci’s form has faltered since the Leagues Cup. They have lost their last 3 home games in all competitions, including a 1-0 defeat to NYCFC last weekend.

While they did secure the return of striker Brenner, who figures to be a big boost to the attack, they also traded starting right wing-back DeAndre Yedlin to Real Salt Lake. What’s more, injuries to defenders Miles Robinson and Brad Smith will likely leave the Garys thinner than usual on their backline.

On the other hand, 2024 MLS All-Star Luca Orellano is reportedly back in training, and will likely be fit to start this game. New U-22 Intitiative signing Samuel Gidi could be set for his debut. The Ghanaian-born Slovak is reportedly an elite ball winner and is capable of playing center back. He would be just what the doctor ordered if he is able to dress for the game.

• Injury report: Obinna Nwobodo (OUT – Quad), Miles Robinson (OUT – Calf), Brad Smith (OUT – Hamstring), Luca Orellano (Probable – Hamstring), 
• Suspended: N/a
• International duty: N/a

Projected Philadelphia Union lineup

Scouting report: Philadelphia Union (W-L-W*-D-W)

* USOC vs RBNY

Well, they say winning cures everything right? 

After two lackluster results in league play, some in Union land were not happy with the perceived dip in form. Many voiced their frustration with Head Coach Bradley Carnell’s rotation, especially in the MLS game against the Red Bulls. Never mind the massive comeback win in the Cup earlier that week. A few predicted the loss at Sports Illustrated Stadium spelled the end of any hopes for the Supporters’ Shield. However you feel about it, last week’s domination over Chicago certainly reminded everyone – media, fans, players – that the Union are not to be taken lightly. 

But, make no mistake, this is a huge game for Philly. With Cinci right behind them in the conference standings, it’s a real ‘6-pointer’ that has big Supporters’ Shield implications. Carnell will certainly go with his strongest available starting eleven. But what does that look like for the Union right now?

Even if Indiana Vassilev clears concussion protocol, Milan Iloski has probably done enough to earn a consistent starting spot as one of the CAM’s. While Nathan Harriel did not feature last weekend my hunch is that he will start at right back. The Union have the best defense in the league right now (26 goals allowed), and Harriel is a better defender than Westfield. While Andre Blake reportedly returned to the field for light training, he is still recovering from his hamstring injury.

Other than that, things should largely stay the same.

The all-time series sees 8 wins in favor of Philadelphia, and 5 for Cincinnati with the teams sharing points on 3 occasions. Cinci has claimed 3 victories in the last 5 matches. However, in their most recent meeting on March 1st, the Union ran out as 4-1 winners in their 2025 Home Opener. Tai Baribo bagged a hat-trick in that game, and has scored 7 goals against FCC. 

It’s a matchup that promises goals and glory for the winner, who stands to clinch a spot in the 2025 MLS Playoffs with a victory paired with a New York Red Bulls loss.

Note: While regular first-teamers Tai Baribo, Danley Jean-Jacques, Nathan Harriel, Frankie Westfield, and Cavan Sullivan have all been called up their respective national teams (U-20 and U-17 in Westfield and Sullivan’s cases) there has been no indication that they will miss this match. The same is true for Cinci’s call-ups Kévin Denkey, Teenage Hadebe, and Roman Celentano.

• Injury report: Andre Blake (OUT – Hamstring), Ian Glavinovic (OUT – Knee), Indiana Vassilev (Questionable – Concussion).
• Suspended: None. Jovan Lukić is one caution away from suspension
• International duty: N/a

Key matchup

Union Attackers vs. FC Cincinnati Defenders

The Union offense should be confident and in-form off of last week’s win. The Cincinnatti defense – while good – is adjusting to missing players and new aditions, making them vulnerable to Philly’s high-flying press.  

Player to Watch: Brenner

The Brazilian striker was really good for Cinci, even when they were Wooden Spoon winners in 2021. He now returns to MLS on loan from Udinese in Serie A. Expect him to pose a real threat to the Union backline, either as a starter or substitute.

Prediction: FC Cincinnati 2-3 Philadelphia Union

The return of Brenner re-vitalizes Cinci’s attack but the Union defense will prove too staunch to overcome. Andrew ‘Brick’ Rick will need to make some key stops but Iloski and Baribo will get on the scoresheet and push the Union over the line.