Photo courtesy of the Philadelphia Union

Who: Philadelphia Union (6th place, 46 points, 13-10-7) vs. New England Revolution (3rd place, 52 points, 16-10-4)
What: MLS Regular Season Matchday 32
Where: Subaru Park
When: Saturday, October 24th, 7:30 PM
Watch: Apple TV
Whistle: TBA

The Philadelphia Union will host the New England Revolution, with former player and franchise leading scorer Daniel Gazdag in tow, on Saturday night. A win will see the Boys in Blue clinch a spot in the Audi 2026 MLS Cup Playoffs, something that seemed an impossibility before the World Cup break. While New England has already secured their place in the post-season, they still need points to guarantee a home playoff game, and will want to keep the teams below them – including the surging Union – at bay. 

Scouting report: New England Revolution (W-L-L-W-W)

MLS’s Buffalo Bills

Despite being a founding member of the league, the New England Revolution have yet to win an MLS Cup in their 30 years of history. They are one of three active inaugural franchises, joining FC Dallas and the New York Red Bulls, who remain unsuccessful in that category. To make matters worse, they have reached the final on 5 separate occasions, but fell short at the last hurdle each time, infamously losing 3 finals in a row between 2005-2007. With only 1 Supporter’s Shield (2021), and 1 U.S. Open Cup (2007) in the trophy cabinet, you would be forgiven for considering them among the least successful clubs in the league. 

A New Leaf?

After Bruce Arena’s controversial exit in 2023, and a disastrous two seasons under Caleb Porter, it seemed like the Revs would continue to struggle in the second half of the 2020’s. But, 2026 has seen New England markedly improve with former US U-23 and U-20 coach Marko Mitrovic at the helm.

Mitrovic’s experience at the Youth International level has proven helpful, as he has turned to younger prospects like Peyton Miller, Brooklyn Raines, Dor Turgeman, and of course, Joshua Wynder, relying on them for key contributions. The youngsters have meshed well with veterans like Carles Gil and Matt Polster, lending strength to Mitrovic’s tactical set-up which demands control in possession and high-tempo pressing defensively.

Since the Break

After a successful first half of the season, the Revs had a quietly good summer transfer window, acquiring Jack Harrison and former Union star Daniel Gazdag to help boost their offense. This has resulted in mixed success. Although Harrison has bagged 6 assists in 7 games, the Englishman’s injury issues will keep him off the pitch tonight. Gazdag has been unable to replicate his Philadelphia form, only scoring 1 goal in 8 appearances so far.

Regardless, Mitrovic has excelled in creating a balanced team. The Revs are good both offensively and defensively. They might not blow teams out of the water, but they have rarely been embarrassed this season, maintaining a steady rhythm of 1 or 2 goal victories. Like most MLS teams, they have a worse record on the road, and that might be enough to tip the scales towards the Union.

• Injury report: OUT: Jack Harrison (Quad), OUT: Alhassan Yussuf (Hamstring), GTD: Mamadou Fofana (Lower Body), GTD: Will Sands (Leg), GTD: Leonardo Campana (Lower Body)
• Suspended: N/a

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

Redemption Arc

Last time these teams met, the Union were nailed to the bottom of the standings. Despite an own goal from New England giving Philadelphia the lead, the Boys in Blue shipped two second-half scores, ultimately losing at Gillette Stadium back in May. My, how things have changed since then. Philly is undefeated since the World Cup break, and is riding a club-record unbeaten streak of 15 games. A win tonight would see the Union qualify to the 2026 MLS Playoffs, and inch closer to securing a home playoff game.

The Answer

Ryan Richter has appeared to crack the code that was so illusive to the team in the first half of the season. He’s given Cavan Sullivan the freedom to thrive in the attack, but has balanced it with defensive duties. After a slow start, Bruno Damiani is finally firing on all cylinders, perfectly complimenting the near-MVP season Milan Iloski is having. His trust in Neil Pierre was key in helping the team get back to their best defensively. With the franchise best form the club has been in, it’s unlikely the interim manager will make any sweeping changes to the lineup or tactics.

Sky’s the Limit?

This match will prove another important litmus test on just how high the ceiling is for the 2026 Union. After benefitting from a softer schedule out of the mid-season break, Philly is now in the home stretch. Of their final four games, 3 are against teams placed above them in the East, including this matchup. Should they defeat New England, it seems like anything would be on the table for the Boys in Blue.  

While the squad has remained largely injury free, a knock picked up last week will keep the younger Sullivan out. Jesús Bueno will also miss due to injury. Both absences will be felt, and could expose the team’s thin depth if changes are needed at either midfield spot.

• Injury report: OUT: Cavan Sullivan (Ankle), OUT: Jesús Bueno (Hamstring).
• Suspended: N/a

Key matchup

Jovan Lukić vs. Carles Gil

Gil is the creative fulcrum of the Revolution, scoring 12 goals and adding 11 assists. Lukic has been in top-form over the last few weeks, and plays a key role in shielding the Union backline. This will be a classic midfield duel that will likely go a long way in deciding the game.

Player to Watch: Quinn Sullivan

Quinn will likely earn the start tonight with his younger brother injured. This will be a great opportunity for him to remind everyone the quality he offers, as he has only just begun to find his form after returning from ACL surgery.

Prediction: Philadelphia Union 2 – 1 New England Revolution

The Union are rolling, with no signs of slowing down. New England will be motivated and will put up a tough test, but ultimately Philadelphia will grind out another win, securing their place in the playoffs.