Photo by Marjorie Elzey

Who: Philadelphia Union vs. NYCFC
What: MLS Regular Season Home Opener
Where: Subaru Park, Chester, PA
When: Sunday, March 1st, 4:30 PM
Watch: MLS on Apple TV+, Radio Call on 97.5 The Fanatic

The Philadelphia Union have their home opener against Eastern Conference rivals, New York City FC this afternoon. Both head coaches are in their second year, and both have overseen a great deal of turnover. The Union have started their CONCACAF Champions Cup campaign in good form with a 12-0 aggregate demolition of Defence Force that has sent them on to the Cup’s round of 16. And Philly will look to exact revenge against NYC, after their playoff loss, ending a special 2025 campaign. The Boys in Blue will also be on the hunt for the team’s first goal in league play, after a disappointing performance and result in Week 1 against D.C. United.

Scouting report: NYCFC

The night NYCFC ditched Philly’s playoff hopes last Fall, also marked NYCFC’s last trip to Chester. That visit saw head coach Pascal Jansen’s side emerge 1-0 winners thanks to a goal by Maxi Moralez. In Week 1, the Cityzens drew 1-1 against an LA Galaxy team reduced to ten men for the final half hour of the game.

NYCFC only scored two goals against MLS opposition during the preseason, and their goal scoring troubles seem to have carried over into the regular season. Their only tally so far this year came from the spot, and they were not able to capitalize on a man advantage. Their back line seemed shaky, and only the strong play of standout goalkeeper Matt Freese, who stopped 6 shots (4 in the first half alone), kept the score level. Despite their difficulties, the Cityzens will be up for this game against conference rivals. Their 4-3-3 lineup is built to stifle play in the midfield, and we can expect a strong showing from their forwards.

• Injury report: Alonso Martinez (OUT)
• Suspended: N/a
• International duty: N/a

Scouting report: Philadelphia Union 

Head Coach Bradley Carnell rested multiple starters against Defence Force F.C. and gave several new signings their debut, which should mean that the regulars are ready to go. They will be eager to put the D.C. loss behind them with a win. But they will not be doing it with their new striker, Ezekiel Alladoh – suspended for the game after a straight red in Week 1.

Creating width in possession will be one of the main keys to the game for Philadelphia. From early on in the D.C. United game, it was clear that Frankie Westfield’s presence and attacking nous were missing (not to mention that of the traded Kai Wagner). If Westfield is still not able to play, Carnell will have some decisions to make regarding who to play out of positions on the flanks.

The Union are still managing injuries, including to projected starters Frankie Westfield, Finn Sundstrom and Augustin Anello. If Westfield or Anello can’t go, Gio Sequera might be an option at left back after a good performance against Defence Force.

Ben Bender has also played well there. With Carnell’s penchant for creative personnel decisions, it’s hard to predict how he will fill potential gaps at left back, and up top, following the suspension of Alladoh.

It is likely that Nathan Harriel will line up at center back with Olwethu Makhanya. Danley Jean-Jacques is likely to return at defensive midfield alongside Milan Iloski. For the rest of the starters, expect Andre Blake, Indiana Vassilev, and Bruno Damiani to re-assume their spots in the starting eleven. But who will Damiani’s strike partner be? Will Carnell move Iloski into a striker position, relying on service from Vassilev?

After scoring his first pair of senior team goals, 16-year-old midfielder Cavan Sullivan said this about the NYCFC matchup: “I hope the fans show out. It’s a big game. Revenge game from last year. Obviously, derby games mean a little bit more, but we’ll have the same mentality, same fight, that you know from the Union on Sunday.”

• Injury report: Quinn Sullivan (OUT); Frankie Westfield (DTD), Agustin Anello (DTD)
• Suspended: Ezekiel Alladoh (RED)
• International duty: N/a 

Key matchup

Danley Jean Jacques vs. Maxi Morales

The midfield battle. Stifling Morales and keeping him out of dangerous areas where he can score or create chances will be Jean Jacques’ key task on the night.

Player to Watch: Milan Iloski

Whether in the midfield or in attack, he will need to be the creative spark.

Prediction: Philadelphia Union 2 -1 NYCFC

The Union and the Cityzens don’t tie one another. One will come out on top.

If the Union can create width in possession, and they can continue their smothering high-press, fighting for and winning second balls, the chances will come.