Philadelphia Union’s complete 2021 Major League Soccer Schedule is out and we’re taking a deep dive into each of the matches before things kick off.
The opening month of the Union’s slate has been known the longest for the Union faithful with it being announced two weeks ago on March 10th. While most MLS teams only have two contests to navigate in April, you might have heard that the 2020 Supporters’ Shield winners have some extra matches due to the 2021 Scotiabank Concacaf Champions League.
Prior to the start of the Major League Soccer season, the Union will compete in the 2021 Scotiabank Concacaf Champions League Round of 16’s first leg against Deportivo Saprissa in Costa Rica at 6:00 p.m. ET on Wednesday, April 7 and in Subaru Park at 8:00 p.m. ET on Wednesday, April 14.
Philadelphia Union at Columbus Crew SC (Sunday, April 18; 5:30 p.m. ET on FS1 and Fox Deportes)
Four days later the Union kick off its MLS slate with a third-consecutive road trip to Ohio as they face off against the defending MLS Cup champions, Columbus Crew SC on Sunday, April 18. The defending MLS Cup winners have a strong reputation to defend not only for themselves but the mantra that comes with a target on their back. Caleb Porter’s side hasn’t been quiet in the offseason with Bradley Wright-Phillips, Kevin Molino and attacking midfielder Alexandru Matan all being added.
Tom’s Tidbit: Defending MLS Cup Champions are 6-2-2 in their respective home opener but just 1-1-1 over the past three seasons.
Philadelphia Union vs. Inter Miami CF (Saturday, April 24; 8 p.m. ET on PHL17)
After Subaru Park hosts the second leg of CCL, the Boys in Blue host Inter Miami CF for the MLS home opener. David Beckham’s owned side has a new coach on the sidelines with former Manchester United and England Women’s National Team Head Coach Phil Neville taking over for the second-year side. With Gonzalo Higuain, Matias Pellegrini and Blaise Matuidi already on the roster that fell the Union in 2020, Miami has added even more pieces with veteran English center back Ryan Shawcross, Brazilian d-mid Gregore and former Sounders fullback/winger Joevin Jones.
The 2021 home opener will feel quite different but less so than the 2020 opener that had no fans as the Union continue to have a strict set of safety protocols implemented for each game which were created in consultation with local health officials, Major League Soccer and the league’s health and safety experts.
With only four scheduled matches (CCL Quarterfinals would begin April 27-29 should Union advance past Deportivo Saprissa), the opening month of the calendar will be full of excitement as the beautiful game returns to the United States.
Tom’s Tidbit: Philadelphia Union are 6-2-2 all-time in their home openers with points in six of the last seven.
