Sports Illustrated Stadium (formerly Red Bull Arena), Harrison, New Jersey
Kickoff: 7:30 p.m. ET
TV/Streaming: Apple TV (MLS Season Pass)
Venue
Sports Illustrated Stadium in Harrison, NJ (capacity around 25,000). Known for its intimate atmosphere and strong home support for the Red Bulls; the pitch and conditions can influence high-pressing, physical play typical of both sides.
Weather Forecast
Pleasant late-summer conditions for the New York/New Jersey area. Highs around 79–82°F during the day, cooling to the mid-60s overnight. Mostly sunny to partly cloudy with low precipitation chances (near 0–20%). North/northwest winds around 5–10 mph. Comfortable for evening soccer with minimal weather disruption expected.
Current Rosters & Key Notes
New York Red Bulls: Goalkeeper Ethan Horvath (primary). Defenders include Robert Voloder, Tim Parker, Dylan Nealis, and others. Midfield and attack feature Emil Forsberg (leadership/creativity), Julian Hall (leading scorer with ~9 goals), Jorge Ruvalcaba, Cameron Harper, and supporting options like Ronald Donkor. The squad emphasizes high pressing and transitions under current coaching.
Philadelphia Union: Goalkeeper Andre Blake (veteran presence). Defenders: Kai Wagner, Nathan Harriel, Frankie Westfield, Japhet Sery Larsen, and others. Midfield includes Quinn Sullivan, Danley Jean Jacques, Jesús Bueno. Attack led by Milan Iloski (~10 goals). The Union rely on structured play, set pieces, and counter-attacking.
Injury Reports
New York Red Bulls:
A.J. Marcucci (knee – out).
Rafael Mosquera (thigh – questionable/out in recent reports).
Cade Cowell (injured/out in some reports).
Additional notes on potential suspensions or doubts for players like Jorge Ruvalcaba or others in fluid updates.
Philadelphia Union:
Philippe Ndinga (muscle/lower body – out).
Geiner Martínez (injured).
Limited other major absences reported in recent status updates (some earlier concerns resolved).
Key Player Matchups
Julian Hall / Jorge Ruvalcaba (RBNY) vs. Union back line (Wagner, Harriel, etc.): Red Bulls’ attacking speed and finishing against a solid but sometimes vulnerable defense.
Milan Iloski (PHI) vs. Red Bulls defense and Horvath: Union’s primary goal threat needs service in transition.
Midfield battles: Forsberg/Donkor vs. Sullivan/Jean Jacques – control of tempo and pressing intensity will be critical.
Wide areas and set pieces involving Westfield, Wagner, and Red Bulls’ overlapping fullbacks.
Recent Team Forms
New York Red Bulls: Mixed results (around mid-table). Capable of high-scoring games but defensive issues (negative goal differential). Recent form includes draws and losses mixed with occasional wins; home form provides a boost.
Philadelphia Union: Struggling overall near the bottom of the East but showing signs of improvement with recent better results (including a 3-1 win over the Red Bulls earlier in the season). Defensively organized at times but inconsistent scoring and road challenges.
Series History
Competitive rivalry with Philadelphia holding a historical edge in many meetings (Union often around 19 wins to Red Bulls’ 15, with draws). Recent form favors the Union, including a 3-1 victory at Subaru Park in July 2026. Matches frequently feature goals and physical play; home advantage has been relevant at Sports Illustrated Stadium.
Betting Trends
Union’s recent H2H success and Red Bulls’ home inconsistencies create value angles; both teams score in a notable share of meetings, supporting higher totals or BTTS.
MATCH ODDS
Philadelphia Union + 205
New York Red Bulls + 115
Draw + 310
Over 3.5 – 105 Under 3.5 – 120
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, August 28, 2026
