MLS Match Preview: New York Red Bulls (10-10-6) vs. Philadelphia Union (15-5-6)

Venue: Sports Illustrated Stadium, Harrison, New Jersey
Kickoff: 7:30 PM ET
Broadcast: MLS Season Pass (Apple TV+), New York Red Bulls Radio

Match Context

This is the 48th all-time meeting between these Eastern Conference rivals. Philadelphia Union sits atop the Supporters’ Shield standings with 51 points, while New York Red Bulls are 10th in the East, just below the playoff line on goal difference. New York is unbeaten in seven of its last eight home matches and has posted a 9-2-2 record at Sports Illustrated Stadium this season—their best home form since 2019. Philadelphia, meanwhile, has not lost a regular-season match at this venue since 2019, but they’ve struggled on the road recently, scoring one goal or fewer in five straight away games.

Key Players to Watch

New York Red Bulls

Emil Forsberg – 17 goal contributions in 2025; has scored or assisted in four straight home matches

Lewis Morgan – Veteran winger with 7 goals and 5 assists

John Tolkin – Dynamic fullback with elite crossing and defensive work rate

Philadelphia Union

Julian Carranza – 11 goals; clinical striker with movement and finishing

Daniel Gazdag – 8 goals, 10 assists; orchestrates attacks from midfield

Andre Blake – Veteran goalkeeper with 6 clean sheets

Head-to-Head Snapshot

Date	Result	Location
Jul 12, 2025	Philadelphia 2–0 NYRB	Philadelphia
Aug 20, 2024	Philadelphia 1–0 NYRB	Philadelphia
Aug 16, 2023	Philadelphia 2–0 NYRB	New York

Philadelphia has won the last 3 regular-season meetings without conceding

Red Bulls lead the all-time home series 10-6-5 at Sports Illustrated Stadium

Tactical Breakdown

New York Red Bulls play a high-pressing 4-2-3-1 under Sandro Schwarz, with Forsberg and Morgan driving transitions.

Philadelphia Union use a compact 4-4-2 diamond, relying on Gazdag’s creativity and Carranza’s finishing.

Expect New York to press early and look for quick counters, while Philly will aim to control midfield and exploit set pieces.