New York City FC and Philadelphia Union are set to clash in an exciting MLS matchup on Saturday, April 12, 2025, at Citi Field in Flushing, Queens, New York. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 PM ET. This game features two Eastern Conference teams with contrasting starts to the season, as NYCFC looks to find consistency, while Philadelphia aims to maintain their strong form near the top of the standings.
Team Overview
New York City FC (2-3-2): NYCFC has had a mixed start to the season, currently sitting mid-table in the Eastern Conference. They are coming off a narrow 2-1 home loss to Minnesota United FC, despite dominating possession and creating more chances. NYCFC has scored 10 goals in seven matches (1.43 per match) but has struggled defensively, conceding 11 goals (1.57 per match), which ranks them 19th in the league for goals allowed.
Philadelphia Union (4-2-1): Philadelphia has been one of the league’s most consistent teams, currently sitting in third place in the Eastern Conference. They are coming off a 0-0 draw against Orlando City SC, where their defense held firm despite conceding several chances. The Union have scored 13 goals this season (1.86 per match), ranking fourth in MLS, while conceding just eight goals (1.14 per match), showcasing their balanced approach.
Key Players to Watch
New York City FC:
Adrian Alonso Martinez Batista: The forward has been a standout performer, leading the team with four goals this season. His ability to find space and finish chances will be crucial.
Hannes Wolf: With three goals and one assist, Wolf has been a key contributor in NYCFC’s attack.
Julian Fernandez: The midfielder has provided creativity with one goal and two assists, adding depth to NYCFC’s offense.
Philadelphia Union:
Thai Baribo: The striker leads the league with six goals this season, making him a constant threat in the final third.
Kai Wagner: The left-back has been instrumental with four assists, showcasing his ability to create chances from wide areas.
Daniel Gazdag: The midfielder has chipped in with two goals and two assists, providing a creative spark for the Union.
Tactical Analysis
New York City FC: NYCFC will look to control possession and use their attacking trio of Martinez Batista, Wolf, and Fernandez to create scoring opportunities. Their defense will need to tighten up to contain Philadelphia’s potent attack, particularly Baribo’s movement in the box.
Philadelphia Union: The Union’s balanced approach has been effective, with a solid defense complementing their dynamic attack. They’ll look to exploit NYCFC’s defensive vulnerabilities with quick transitions and use Wagner’s deliveries to create chances for Baribo and Gazdag.
Matchup Insights
NYCFC’s goal differential of -1 ranks 18th in MLS, while Philadelphia’s +5 differential places them fourth.
Philadelphia has been more clinical offensively, averaging 1.86 goals per match compared to NYCFC’s 1.43.
Defensively, Philadelphia has the edge, conceding just 1.14 goals per match compared to NYCFC’s 1.57.
New York City FC + 120 Draw + 280 Philadelphia Union + 205
Over 2.75 – 108 Under 2.75 – 112
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, April 11, 2025
