Photo courtesy of Marjorie Elzey

Who: Philadelphia Union vs Red Bull New York

What: MLS Matchday 23

Where: Sports Illustrated Stadium, Harrison, New Jersey

When: Saturday, August 29, 7:30 PM EST

Watch: AppleTV

Whistle: Drew Fischer (Referee), Cory Richardson (AR1), Gianni Facchini (AR2), Ricardo Montero Araya (4th), Greg Dopka (VAR), Fabio Tovar (AVAR)

The Philadelphia Union are unbeaten in six straight MLS matches and will now look to extend that streak against a familiar opponent.

Philadelphia enters the matchup as one of just two MLS clubs yet to lose since the FIFA World Cup break. The Union have collected a win and two draws over their last three matches, including draws against Inter Miami and Austin FC following their victory over NYCFC.

New York, meanwhile, has struggled to find the same consistency. The Red Bulls have won just once in their last six matches and enter Saturday coming off consecutive losses to Atlanta United and Nashville SC before settling for a 1-1 draw against Chicago Fire FC.

Scouting Report: Red Bull New York

Red Bull New York enters Saturday looking to reverse a recent slide.

The Red Bulls have managed just one win in their last six matches, with their most recent victory coming before consecutive defeats to Atlanta United and Nashville. Their 1-1 draw against Chicago last weekend prevented a third straight loss, but New York needed an 86th-minute equalizer from Cameron Harper to rescue a point.

Despite their inconsistent form, New York possesses plenty of attacking talent.

The biggest threat is 18-year-old Julian Hall, who leads the Red Bulls with nine goals and five assists this season. His production has made him one of the league’s most dangerous young attackers and gives Philadelphia another difficult test against a team that, like the Union, has embraced developing young talent.

Seventeen-year-old Adri Mehmeti has also contributed a goal and five assists, while 19-year-old Mijahir Jiménez has made his own impact in league play.

Veteran Emil Forsberg provides a contrasting presence. The 34-year-old Designated Player has recorded three goals and seven assists across 20 appearances this season, including two goals and two assists since the World Cup break. His ability to create chances and connect New York’s young attackers with the rest of the attack could be crucial.

Scouting Report: Philadelphia Union

Philadelphia’s recent turnaround has been driven in large part by the emergence of its young players.

Homegrowns Cavan Sullivan and Neil Pierre have combined for eight goal contributions during the Union’s six-match unbeaten streak, becoming increasingly influential at both ends of the field. Pierre has been particularly dangerous from his center-back position, entering Saturday as the league’s top-scoring defender since the World Cup break.

Sullivan has also continued to make history. The 16-year-old has recorded a goal or assist in three consecutive matches and could become the youngest player ever to register a goal contribution in four straight regular-season games.

That youth movement has helped Philadelphia develop an attacking identity that is becoming increasingly difficult to contain. With Sullivan providing creativity and Pierre offering a threat on set pieces and in the box, the Union have found production from unexpected areas of the field.

The challenge now is translating that recent success onto the road. Philadelphia has climbed back into the playoff conversation during its unbeaten run, but another positive result against New York would provide an important boost as the regular season enters its final stretch.

Injury Report: N/A

Disciplinary Report: Milan Iloski and Japhet Sery Larsen are both one caution away from suspension/fine based on yellow card accumulation. 

Matchup to Watch: Cavan Sullivan & Neil Pierre  vs. Red Bull’s Young Attack

Saturday’s match could become a showcase for the next generation of MLS talent.

Philadelphia’s 16-year-old Cavan Sullivan has emerged as one of the Union’s most important attacking players during their unbeaten run, while New York can counter with Julian Hall, Adri Mehmeti and Mijahir Jiménez.

For two clubs built around youth development, the battle between their young attacking talent could ultimately determine which team controls the match.

Player to Watch: Julian Hall

Hall is the player Philadelphia cannot afford to lose track of.

The 18-year-old has exploded onto the MLS scene in 2026, leading New York with nine goals and five assists. His ability to combine pace, movement and finishing has made him one of the most productive young players in the league.

Philadelphia has plenty of momentum of its own, but its defensive structure will face a major test against Hall. If the Union can limit his space and prevent him from getting into dangerous areas around the box, they can take away one of New York’s biggest attacking weapons.

Prediction: Philadelphia 2 – 1 Red Bull New York 

Philadelphia enters this one with the momentum edge. New York’s young attackers may cause problems, but Philadelphia’s ability to create chances in transition and capitalize on set pieces should ultimately make the difference.