MLS Match Preview: Philadelphia Union (20-8-6) vs. New York City FC (17-12-5)

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Venue & Match Details

Location: Subaru Park, Chester, Pennsylvania

Kickoff: 7:45 PM ET

Competition: MLS Cup Playoffs, Eastern Conference Semifinal

Broadcast: MLS Season Pass (Apple TV)

Weather Update

Forecast: Cool late-autumn evening, ~48°F (9°C), partly cloudy, light winds

Impact: Crisp conditions favor high-intensity pressing; ball movement should remain sharp.

Injury Report

Philadelphia Union:

Out: Quinn Sullivan (knee), Ian Glavinovich (knee)

New York City FC:

Out: Alonso Martínez (ACL), Andrés Perea (leg), Keaton Parks (leg), Malachi Jones (leg)

Suspended: Aiden O’Neill (yellow card accumulation)

Player Matchups

Tai Baribo (PHI, 18 goals) vs. Matt Freese (NYC, GK): Baribo’s finishing form is crucial; Freese has 20 career shutouts.

Kai Wagner (PHI, LB) vs. Maximiliano Moralez (NYC, MF): Wagner’s overlapping runs and 47 career assists challenge Moralez’s playmaking.

Andre Blake (PHI, GK) vs. NYC attack: Blake’s 84 career shutouts anchor Philly’s defense.

Team Recent Form

Philadelphia Union: 20-8-6 (66 pts), Supporters’ Shield winners; unbeaten in last 20 home matches.

New York City FC: 17-12-5 (56 pts); strong away form, winning 5 of last 6 road games.

Form:

Union: W-W-W-L-W-W (last 6)

NYCFC: W-L-L-W-L-W (last 6)

Series History

Head-to-head (last 14 meetings): Philadelphia 8 wins, NYCFC 6 wins, 0 draws.

2025 Regular Season: Each side won at home; Union 1-0 at Subaru Park, NYCFC 1-0 at Yankee Stadium.

Philly has won 4 of last 5 home meetings vs. NYCFC.

Betting Trends:

Union unbeaten at home since March 2025

NYCFC missing 5 starters, including top scorer Alonso Martínez

Philadelphia averaging 1.94 pts/match, goal differential +22

MATCH ODDS

Philadelphia Union – 115              Draw + 255         New York City FC + 270

Over 2.5 – 120                   Under 2.5 – 105

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Saturday, November 22, 2025