Toronto FC vs Philadelphia Union

BMO Field sets the stage for a high-stakes Major League Soccer showdown between familiar foes Toronto FC and Philadelphia Union.

A 2-1 defeat to Nashville SC in the last round left Toronto stranded in 14th in the Eastern Conference – eight points adrift of the playoff terrain. Toronto’s turbulent form has seen them alternate between winning and losing across their last five MLS outings (W2, L3). Therefore, they must find consistency to secure a sought-after playoff return after only winning three of their opening 15 league games (D4, L8). The impending home return won’t inspire much hope, considering they’ve emerged victorious from just one MLS home fixture all season (D2, L5), netting a meager average of 0.5 goals per match while conceding one in return. 

Meanwhile, Philadelphia’s grip on a top-table finish in the Eastern Conference didn’t loosen despite a goal-glutted 3-3 draw against Inter Miami in the last round. Indeed, Cincinnati’s 4-2 defeat at Atlanta United helped the Union steer a point clear at the table’s summit. Furthermore, the visitors’ unbeaten league streak now stands at seven games (W5, D2), with Bradley Carnell’s side scoring precisely three goals four times in that sequence. Philadelphia’s uptick in away form has seen them go from back-to-back MLS defeats on the road to consecutive wins – both of which came via a single-goal margin.