Venue Location
The match will take place at Subaru Park in Chester, Pennsylvania, USA. This is Philadelphia Union’s home stadium, with a capacity of approximately 18,500. The pitch is natural grass, and the venue is known for its intense atmosphere during knockout competitions.
Kickoff is scheduled for 7:00 PM ET (4:00 PM PT / 12:00 AM UTC on February 27). Broadcast details include FS2, TUDN, ConcacafGO, and other regional platforms.
Weather Updates
- High temperature: 45–50°F (7–10°C)
- Evening kickoff temperature: Around 32–36°F (0–2°C)
- Conditions: Partly cloudy with a low chance of precipitation (10–20%)
- Wind: 5–10 mph from the north
- Humidity: 50–60%
- Other details: Chilly conditions expected; no major disruptions, but players may need to adapt to cooler temperatures. UV index low (around 3 during the day).
Injury Report
- Philadelphia Union: OUT: Ben Bender (adductor), Eddy Davis III (quad), Quinn Sullivan (knee). QUESTIONABLE: Jovan Lukic (ribs), Frankie Westfield (hamstring). The team will miss depth in midfield and attack, but core players like Bruno Damiani and Milan Iloski are available. No new issues from the recent MLS loss.
- Defence Force FC: SUSPENDED: Joevin Jones (red card in first leg). No major injuries reported, but the squad may face fatigue from travel and recent domestic play. Key players like Rodrigo Tello are expected to feature.
Key
Player Matchups
With Philadelphia holding a 5-0 aggregate lead from the first leg, expect the Union to rotate and manage minutes while Defence Force pushes for an improbable comeback. Key battles:
- Bruno Damiani (Philadelphia Forward) vs. Defence Force Defense: Damiani’s brace in the first leg (including a penalty) showcased his finishing (2 goals in 2026). His movement will challenge Defence Force’s backline, led by Marlon Ávila and Omar Alba, who conceded five times previously. Damiani’s form could extend the lead if given space.
- Milan Iloski (Philadelphia Forward) vs. Defence Force Center-Backs: Iloski opened the scoring in the first leg with a free-kick (30′). His set-piece threat and positioning test the Trinidadians’ defense, which struggled against Philly’s 22 shots in Leg 1.
- Ezekiel Alladoh (Philadelphia Forward) vs. Defence Force Midfield: Alladoh debuted strongly with a goal in the first leg. His pace could exploit midfielders like Héctor Hurtado, especially on counters as Defence Force attacks desperately.
- Rodrigo Tello (Defence Force Midfielder) vs. Philadelphia Defense: Tello was a standout in Leg 1 despite the loss. He’ll need to beat Philly’s backline, including Olwethu Makhanya (scorer in first leg) and Nathan Harriel, to spark any goals. Goalkeeper Andrew Rick’s clean sheet adds pressure.
Recent Team Forms
- Philadelphia Union: L W (0-1 away loss vs. D.C. United in MLS; 5-0 away win vs. Defence Force in CCC Leg 1). They’ve scored 5 goals in CCC but struggled offensively in MLS, with clean sheets elusive recently. New signings like Ezekiel Alladoh (goal in debut) are integrating.
- Defence Force FC: L W (0-5 home loss vs. Philadelphia in CCC Leg 1; 2-1 win vs. Caledonia in TT Premier League). Strong domestically (unbeaten in 11 prior to CCC), but defensive frailties exposed (5 conceded in first leg). Form is solid in league with high scoring.
Series History
This is the second meeting between the clubs. Philadelphia Union dominated the first leg on February 18, 2026, winning 5-0 at Hasely Crawford Stadium (goals: Milan Iloski 30′, Ezekiel Alladoh, Olwethu Makhanya, Bruno Damiani x2). Aggregate: Philadelphia leads 5-0. Defence Force needs at least five goals without reply to force extra time—a highly unlikely scenario.
Betting Trends
- Philadelphia has scored 5+ goals in their CCC match, but under 1.5 in MLS (1 goal in 2 games total).
- Defence Force has conceded 5 in their only CCC game, but kept clean sheets in 4 of last 5 league matches.
- Home teams in CCC second legs win 80% when leading by 4+ goals after Leg 1 (historical data).
- Trend: Philadelphia unbeaten at home in season openers; Defence Force winless vs. MLS teams.
MATCH ODDS
Defence Force FC + 1200
Philadelphia Union – 750
Draw + 750
Over 3.5 – 105 Under 3.5 – 115
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Wednesday, February 25, 2026
