Philadelphia Union Face Crucial Playoff Test Against Red-Hot Orlando City
Union’s away form will be the key as they face a tough test against Orlando City
Chester, Pa. — The Philadelphia Union still control their destiny to reach the playoffs as they sit in 9th place (9-12-10, 37 pts), the final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. However, it won’t be easy as they face a red-hot Orlando City team (13-11-7, 46 pts) currently in 4th place in the Eastern Conference.
Orlando City’s Form
In the last 10 MLS games, two of the hottest teams have been the Seattle Sounders and Orlando City. Orlando holds a record of 7-2-1, with 26 goals scored and 10 conceded. They’ve had 10 different goal scorers during this period, with their two highest scorers being Facundo Torres (eight goals) and Ramiro Enrique (six goals). While scoring first typically increases a team’s chances of winning, the Philadelphia Union have lost five games this season after scoring first. That hasn’t been the case for Orlando City, who have a 9-2-2 record when scoring first. During this 10-game stretch, Orlando scored first in seven matches, winning all seven. After a slow start at home, Orlando has been strong in their last five home matches, going 4-0-1 and keeping four clean sheets in their four wins, conceding just one goal.
“When you do get chances against them in the transition moments, because they are aggressive pushing both outside backs high, you have to try to get at them and get at them quick,” said Jim Curtin. “Because once they get behind the ball, his [Orlando City Head Coach Óscar Pareja] teams are always very difficult and organized tough to break down.”
Union’s Away Form
The Union’s home form has been disappointing this season, with a 4-7-5 record at Subaru Park. However, they’ve been more respectable on the road, holding a 5-5-5 record. If the Union are to make the playoffs, they’ll need to win one of their remaining two away games. The Union lead the league in away goals this season with 32 and have scored in their last seven away matches. Over the last three seasons, the Union have the fifth most road wins in the league, with 17, and are tied with Cincinnati for the most away goals during that span (79). While five road wins would normally be near the top of the table, this season has been different.
“I think teams have grown with confidence more on the road as a whole in the Western Conference and in the Eastern Conference,” said Jim Curtin. “I think teams now are more organized in terms of going in, being organized and tough to play through and then counter-attacking. I think teams in general have improved in that. You're seeing more teams go on the road and win.”
Teams may be playing with more confidence on the road this season as Jim Curtin pointed out in his Tuesday press conference, but something should be said about how Curtin has had this team playing with the same energy and passion on the road this season, as they’ve done in the last couple seasons. A key to their road success has been scoring first, which they’ve done in eight of their 15 away games. While Orlando City rarely concedes the first goal at home (only four times in 15 games), the Union will hope to change that Wednesday night.
Series History (MLS Play ONLY)
The Union currently lead the series with a record of 7-6-6 in 19 games, and have a record of 2-2-4 down at Inter & Co Stadium. The last time these two teams met was back in May of 2024 where Orlando City won 3-2 with a brace from Luis Muriel. The Union lined up with Oliver Semmle in goal with Andre Blake out injured with a knee injury. The Union’s back four saw Nathan Harriel and Kai Wagner as the fullbacks, and Jakob Glesnes and Damion Lowe as the two center backs. At the base of the diamond was José Martínez, the two eight’s were Alejandro Bedoya and Jack McGlynn, with Dániel Gazdag as the 10. The two strikers were Mikael Uhre and Quinn Sullivan, who replaced Julián Carranza, who was out on yellow card accumulation.
The Union opened the scoring in the 12th minute with Mikael Uhre, after Orlando City failed to clear away the Union’s set piece. Jack McGlynn was able to find Nathan Harriel, who was able to find Uhre. The Union’s lead would only last for 11 minutes when Duncan McGuire would get goal side of Damion Lowe on a cross, and head the ball past Oliver Semmle. The Union would then go on and concede two more goals to trail Orlando City 3-1 before Dániel Gazdag converted a penalty to make the score 3-2 in the 66th minute. The Union would have a chance to tie the game at 3-3 in the 89th minute with a penalty kick from Gazdag, after Nathan Harriel was fouled in the box. Gazdag shot to Orlando City’s Pedro Gallese’s right side, but saw his shot saved, and the follow-up was sent over the bar.
Six current Union players have scored against Orlando City: Dániel Gazdag (3), Mikael Uhre (2), Alejandro Bedoya, Kai Wagner, Jack McGlynn, and Jack Elliott (1). For Orlando City, five current players have scored against Philadelphia Union: Felipe Martins, Martin Ojeda, Luis Muriel, Duncan McGuire (2), and Ivan Angulo (1).
Player Availability Report
Philadelphia Union
Isaiah LeFlore - Knee (Out)
Orlando City
David Brekalo - Thigh (Out)
Mason Stajduhar - Lower Leg (Out)
Dagur Dan Thórhallsson - Lower Leg (Out)
Where to watch
The match will be available on MLS Season Pass via Apple TV, with kickoff set for 7:30 p.m. EST on October 2.
Video Credit: Apple TV/Philadelphia Union
Good stuff!