Philadelphia Union are at the top of the Supporters' Shield Race and on Saturday, they’ll host Lionel Messi and his star-studded Inter Miami team in a must-watch Eastern Conference clash at Subaru Park at 7:30pm.
The match ahead marks the pair’s second meeting this season -- on March 29th Philadelphia made their first trip to Fort Lauderdale under Head Coach Bradley Carnell’s leadership, leaving empty handed after a 2-1 loss.
Since then, the Philadelphia Union has been in top form, dropping only one result in the following eight matches. The Boys in Blue currently hold a six-match unbeaten streak in MLS play, improving their record to nine wins, three losses, and two draws to make an impressive climb to first in both the Eastern Conference and Supporters’ Shield standings.
In his Friday press conference, Carnell reflected positively on his team's early matchup against Miami, outlining his takeaways from the March meet-up.
“It took us a while to get into that game – 20 minutes or so. Once we did, I think we started putting the terms in our corner and dictating the style of play and how we wanted to do that, and I think we outshot them, outpaced them in expected goals,” Carnell said.
“I thought everything went right, except the result at the end of the 90 minutes, and we got Kai back, who was out with his rib injury at that stage. So I do feel we are a bit more complete, a little bit more healthy, and guys are ready to go.”
As for Miami, they haven’t fared nearly as well since facing Philly, picking up three losses against Dallas, Minnesota, and Orlando in that span. Now, they sit at sixth in the conference standings with 22 total points. In their past three matches, they've added just one to their total, and they'll come to town in hopes of rediscovering the dominant form that led them to the lift the 2024 Supporters' Shield.
On Friday, Head Coach Javier Mascherano confirmed Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez are among the Herons set to make the trip to the City of Brotherly love in pursuit of a favorable result.
“Obviously, we’re in a moment in the season where we need them with us,” Mascherano said.
The Argentinian superstar made his first appearance on the riverfront during Leagues Cup on August 15th, 2023, and although he’s only suited up for one game in Chester since making the move to MLS, Philadelphia Union hasn’t secured a win against his squad since June 24th, 2023, shortly after his signng was announced.
“We know what type of a team it is, and in every game, they've had chances, they've been competitive, and it hasn't gone their way. Teams go through phases throughout the season, but you can never underestimate that team especially," Carnell said.
"Don't think we're anywhere near any form of complacency or any form of laziness or tiredness. I think there's a team on our side here that we're just hungry for the next game. We're hungry for the next points to be put on the board."
With both teams eager for three points, Saturday's showdown is shaping up to be a can't miss one -- click here to join the action at Subaru Park on Saturday night! If you can't make the match, tune in with the action starting at 7:30PM over on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV.
