The Philadelphia Union will see their MLS Cup Playoffs path determined on Saturday as they face Toronto FC in a Decision Day clash at Subaru Park in Chester, P.A.
After a rapid rise with 13 wins in 15 games, and after previously sitting at the bottom of the Eastern Conference heading into the summer’s World Cup break, the Union (13-12-8, 47 points) now have a chance to finish as high as sixth, depending on other results. However, they will likely need to break a four-game winless run to do so after last week’s 1-0 loss to FC Cincinnati.
To finish sixth, the Union would need to win or draw against Toronto and see Cincinnati drop points against Supporters’ Shield winners Nashville SC. A seventh-place finish would happen if the Union drew and Cincinnati won, or if the Union lost and one of Cincinnati or Columbus Crew picked up a victory.
The only way for the Union to finish eighth and be forced to host the MLS Eastern Conference Wild Card game would be a loss to Toronto and wins by both Cincinnati and Columbus Crew.
Led by the energetic production of 17-year-old Cavan Sullivan, the Union will look to finish as high as possible, with the highly touted youngster aiming to build on his seven goals and 14 assists this season. Afterwards, he and teammate center back Neil Pierre will join the U.S. men’s national team for the CONCACAF Nations League quarterfinals against Haiti.
Milan Iloski leads the attack for the Union with 19 goals and three assists, while Bruno Damiani has enjoyed impressive form with nine goals and two assists in the last 10 games. Former USMNT midfielder Alejandro Bedoya will also play his final regular-season game after the 39-year-old announced his intention to retire at season’s end.
“When I look back on my time in Philadelphia, so many moments come to mind, from the big wins and incredible matches to ?the challenges we faced along the way,” Bedoya said in a statement. “However, what stands out most is everything beyond the game. I came here because I believed in what the club was building and wanted to be part of that vision.
For Toronto FC (9-12-12, 39 points), Saturday is about ending the year on a high note after crashing out of playoff contention with last week’s 3-1 loss to Atlanta United. Daniel Salloi leads the group with nine goals and six assists, while Lewis Morgan has scored three goals over the last 10 games.
Jonathan Osorio, who recently became the first player in MLS history to score in 14 straight seasons for the same club, will play the last game of his current contract, potentially ending his legendary spell with the club.
“They are a direct team; they combine well in the middle of the field,” TFC head coach Robin Fraser said of the Union. “They make it very difficult for opponents; something they’ve done in various forms for many years now. I feel like right now, they seem to be as good as they’ve been in quite a while.”
–Field Level Media
