Philadelphia Union is back in first place in both the conference standings and the Supporters’ Shield race with 43 points, and on Wednesday, they’ll have an opportunity to further establish their spot at the top, taking on CF Montreal at home.
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Philadelphia Union will be just four days removed from a statement performance against 2024 MLS Cup runner-up New York Red Bulls when they take the pitch to face Montreal. Wednesday's opponent has had an opposite experience compared to that of the Philadelphia Union so far in 2025, falling to the bottom of the league with three wins, thirteen losses, and six draws so far this season.
June and July marked two of their more successful months this year with two wins, two draws, and two losses, but their recent successes haven’t been enough to put them near playoff contention. Standings aside, they'll still bring talent to town as forward Prince Owusu has been a major factor in their recent results, scoring five goals in his past five MLS matches to boost his total to nine on the season.
“Owusu’s been dangerous in all phases of the game. You know, in transition, he can run behind from crosses. He's lethal. So, you know, that's something that we have to be aware about,” Carnell said in his Tuesday press conference.
As for Philadelphia, they’re back on the right track after snapping a two-game losing streak with a dominant 2-0 win against rival New York Red Bull that put them back at the top of the standings. Now, there's a three-point gap between the first and fifth spot in a crowded East, and Philly’s upcoming schedule, including Wednesday’s match, could be integral in keeping their Supporters’ Shield hopes afloat.
“We've shown that we can compete with all levels of the opponents. We're excited where we are, but we try and ways to stay the hunters and not the hunted. That's the way we drive it internally, “ Carnell said.
“The staff does a creative job of trying to set that narrative that we are not quite there yet, and that we always strive to be number one.”
Favorably for Philly, the team's almost back together in full -- Carnell announced on Tuesday that all players, barring Ian Glavinovich who's been recovering from a long knee injury, are 'just about ready to go' for Wednesday and the final stretch of the season to follow.
