After guiding the Philadelpia Union to a MLS Cup Playoff berth over the weekend, Head Coach Bradley Carnell has received MLSSoccer.com's Coach of the Matchday honors from the league.
Under Carnell's leadership the Boys in Blue emerged victorious on the road in the weekend's big Eastern Conference showdown at FC Cincinnati. Going to a venue where the club hadn't take three points in league play since 2021, the Union showcased grit to claim a 1-0 victory which sealed their seventh trip to the postseason in the last eight years.
Carnell continued to stick to his principles and playing style regardless of where the game took place with the Boys in Blue displaying remarkable poise after taking the lead. The challenge increased at the hour mark when the Union were down to 10 men but brillant substitutions and trust in his players saw Philly hold on for the result. The first changes came with the double subsitutions of Frankie Westfield and Indiana Vassilev in place of Quinn Sullivan and Tai Baribo to sure up the defense. As the homeside continued to attack, Carnell sent on fresh legs for the top of the 4-2-2-2 formation to keep the club's pressing tactics as a strength and not just bunker down for a long stretch of volleys into the box.
With the road win, the Union continue to hold not only the top spot in the East but remain in the driver's seat for the Supporters' Shield with San Diego (56 points), FC Cincinnati (52 points), Minnesota United (51 points) and Inter Miami CF (11 points behind the Union with four games in hand) all trying to take away the first piece of league silverware.
Philadelphia Union will see eight members depart for the upcoming FIFA International Break before returning to action with its furthest road trip of the season. The Boys in Blue travel to Western Conference foe Vancouver Whitecaps FC for a late night battle on Saturday, Sept. 13 with kick off is set for 9:30PM ET on MLS Season Pass.
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