Photo courtesy of the Philadelphia Union

Who: Philadelphia Union (6th place, 39 points, 11-10-6) vs. Real Salt Lake (11th place, 32 points, 9-13-5)
What: MLS Regular Season Matchday 29
Where: Subaru Park
When: Saturday, October 10th, 7:30 PM
Watch: Apple TV
Whistle: REF: Elijio Arreguin, AR1: Jeremy Kieso, AR2: Gianni Facchini, 4TH: Sergii Boiko, VAR: Shawn Tehini, AVAR: Claudiu Badea

Two teams in opposite form will meet on the banks of the Delaware Saturday night when the red-hot Philadelphia Union host a struggling Real Salt Lake side. The Boys in Blue enter this matchup on a franchise best hot streak, with 6 straight wins, and are undefeated since returning from the World Cup break. Conversely, the visiting Claret and Cobalt have just one win in their last 14 games, and are severely hampered by injuries and the departure of Zavier Gozo. Philadelphia will look to continue their climb up the table by taking advantage of a weak opponent, before facing some of the top Eastern Conference teams in the coming weeks.

Scouting report: Real Salt Lake (L-L-L-L-W)

Although RSL managed a win last time out, defeating New England Revolution 3-0, that type of performance has been a rarity for them in the second half of the season. In a horrendous winless streak that stretched from May 16th to September 23rd, RSL went winless for 13 straight matches, compiling a 0-9-4 record and killing the momentum from early season run.

Despite roaring out to a 5-1-1 start, which saw them climb as high as 3rd place in the West, the Claret and Cobalt have sunk like a stone in the standings since the return from the World Cup break. Zavier Gozo’s (6 goals & 5 assists) record-setting $15 million departure to the Premier League’s Crystal Palace, has coincided with an injury crisis, seeing season-ending injuries to star midfielder Diego Luna (5 goals & 6 assists) and defensive stalwart Justen Glad (Team has won 2 in 15 attempts without him this season).

Now, RSL is in real danger of missing the playoffs. It would mark the first time that Salt Lake has failed to reach the post-season under Head Coach Pablo Mastroeni. The former MLS All-Star and Best XI selection has guided Real Salt Lake to 5 consecutive playoff appearances, however they have not advanced from a post-season fixture since 2021.

On the night, Mastroeni can at least turn to forwards Sergi Solans and Morgan Guilavogui. Solans leads the team in scoring with 8 goals, and bagged a brace last time out against New England. Guilavogui, a Designated Player, has racked up 8 assists including one in RSL’s last game. There is the possibility of a few players returning to action on Saturday, including defender Alexandros Katranis, who scored a late winner against the Union in their last clash back in 2024.

With these various injuries and absences, RSL faces a tough task, but will try to repeat their recent upset of 2nd placed New England.

• Injury report: OUT: Diego Luna (Knee),  OUT: Justen Glad (Groin), OUT: Juan Jose Arias (Hamstring), OUT: Emeka Eneli (Knee), OUT: Lukas Engel (Hamstring), QUESTIONABLE: Griffin Dillon (Foot)
• Suspended: N/a

Scouting report: Philadelphia Union (W-W-W-W-W)

The Boys in Blue have a great chance to extend their franchise record streaks this week. A win against RSL would see the club hit 7 straight, and mark 13 consecutive matches undefeated. Each would be a first in team history. This would be the latest accolade in Interim Head Coach Ryan Richter’s whirlwind turnaround since taking the helm following the World Cup break. 

Over the recent international break, the Union picked up a 4-2 win against the visiting Orlando City, despite missing 7 first teamers. Now with the young core of Cavan Sullivan, Neil Pierre, and Frankie Westfield returning after a successful run of games with the USMNT – and other key pieces like Andre Blake and Danley Jean-Jacques back in the fold – Philly is in prime position to put up another big win. 

To do so, they will contine to rely on major offensive contributions from C. Sullivan and Milan Iloski. Sullivan, who recently became both the youngest MLS Player of the Month and the youngest goalscorer in USMNT history, has totaled 7 goals and 12 assists. Of those, 4 goals and 5 assists came in September. It has truly been a sensational second half of the campgain for the young star, who is in the midst of a historic breakout season. Further up the pitch lies Iloski. The former RSL Homegrown Player is also having a career best season, and is currently one of the top producers in the league, with 16 goals and 6 assists. 

It’s not just the play of individual Union players that is worthy of attention though. As a unit the team has been practically unstoppable. Through their 5 games in September, they scored 20 goals, winning by multiple scores thrice. Defensively the team has solidified, and even kept three clean sheets in a row against Montreal, Cincinnati, and San Diego.

All signs point to what should be an easy win at home, but Richter will have to keep Philadelphia locked in, as RSL are still capable of an upset.

• Injury report: OUT: Agustin Anello (Abductor)
• Suspended: Japhet Sery Larsen (YC Accumulation)

Key matchup

Bruno Damiani vs. De’Andre Yedlin

Damiani has been finding the back of the net lately, but his true asset to the team comes through his workrate and physicality. He will have an interesting assignment against Mastroeni’s 3-man backline, but when he is matched up against Yedlin, he could take advantage of their height difference. 

Player to Watch: Cavan Sullivan

I’m cheating here, and realistically, there are a few names from the Union that are deserving of being tabbed as the POW, but the kid just scored a 30 yard chip against Mexico. Plus, he’s the Player of the Month. Keep it coming before he leaves for Europe.

Prediction: Philadelphia Union 3 – 1 Real Salt Lake

The Boys in Blue receive a boost from their international players return and are able to keep the streak rolling. Cavan Sullivan puts up multiple goal contributions (again).