New York City FC defeated the Union, 2-1, in last season’s Eastern Conference Final in Chester en route to its first MLS Cup. NYCFC has never lost a home match to the Union (W5 D2, including playoffs), though the sides drew the last meeting at Yankee Stadium (1-1 in November 2021).
New York City FC’s 4-1 win over CF Montréal on Saturday was its 11th win in its last 15 home matches (D3 L1, including playoffs). NYCFC is unbeaten in six straight home matches (W4 D2), though one of those draws was against the Union on Decision Day last season.
With two wins and a draw, the Union are off to the best start in the club’s MLS history with seven points through three matches. This is the first time in team history that Philadelphia is unbeaten in its first three matches of a season.
Peruvian Alexander Callens, Uruguayan Santiago Rodríguez, and Brazilians Talles Magno and Thiago Andrade scored NYCFC’s four goals against Montreal on Saturday. Overall, 38 of New York City’s last 42 goals have all been scored by South American players, including the last 22 in a row.
Philadelphia has not allowed a goal from outside the box since November 1, 2020, against Columbus. Including playoffs, the Union have gone over 43 games without allowing a goal from outside the box and could cross the 4,000-minute mark without conceding one in the 18th minute on Saturday.