Philadelphia Union is back in action on Thursday night as they make the short trip north to New Jersey for a rivalry showdown against NewYork Red Bulls. Kick off from Red Bull Arena is set for 8 p.m. ET with television coverage on PHL17 beginning at 7:30 p.m. with pregame hosted by Dave Leno and former Union defender Sheanon Williams. Fans will also be able to view the match on PhiladelphiaUnion.com or can click here to listen to the FOX The Gambler broadcast which is available via 102.5 FM, 104.5 HD2, the iHeart App and 1480 AM.
The Boys in Blue enter the match after seeing their eight-match unbeaten streak in league play come to an end last weekend in Nashville. Former Union forward CJ Sapong bagged the streak-ending goal in the second minute of play but the Union were able unable to find an equalizer against the stymy defense. The Union will be without their trio of Jamaican players as Andre Blake, Cory Burke and Alvas Powell have departed the club and joined the Reggae Boyz for the Concacaf Gold Cup.
Thursday night's match will be the second time in 2021 that the Union have faced off against their rival, prevailing by a 1-0 margin back on May 15th. Burke notched the match winner in the 9th minute of play converting on the counter attack that was set up by homegrown Anthony Fontana and Jamiro Monteiro. Overall the Union have won the last four meetings against their rivals, including a 4-3 win in the 2019 playoffs.
The Red Bulls have won six of their last seven home matches including the last four in a row. New York has scored in its last 10 matches at Red Bull Arena after going three in a row without finding the net at home in September 2020. The Red Bulls enter after a 1-0 win on the road at Orlando City SC on Saturday with Fábio collecting the game winner. The Brazilian has been directly involved in eight goals since May 1 (2 goals, 6 assists). Only Carles Gil (1 goal, 9 assists) has been involved in more goals in MLS in that time.
