The Philadelphia Union has not had the best start to their MLS campaign this season. Three draws from three matches, see Philly sitting all the way down in 13th in the Eastern Conference. Last week they fought to a 2-2 draw in Austin, and this weekend Philly heads back out west to take on the Portland Timbers.
Philadelphia Union vs Portland Timbers: How to watch
MLS Game week six plays out this Saturday, your Philadelphia Union will head out west to play the final match of the weekend against Portland Timbers at 10:30 pm EST. Philadelphia will be without 10 players for this weekend’s match, while Portland will be without three. This is because MLS is playing matches during a FIFA international window.
Usually, leagues around the world break for these international games, but not MLS, a league that is too worried about self-inflicted fixture congestion. Because of this, we will see a short-handed Union side in each position, and a Portland team without their goalkeeper and best defenders.
Tune into the match tonight to “Doop after dark” on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV+! Who knows, maybe we will see a depleted Union squad pull out the first W of the season and ruin the debut of a new Portland star!
Philadelphia vs Portland: Betting info
Portland Timbers -105 | Draw +260 | Philadelphia Union +260
Season So Far – Portland
Portland is coming off of their first loss of the season down in Houston. The 1-0 result was one where the Timbers played well but failed to find that breakthrough. While the Timbers are coming off a loss, they are sitting pretty near the top of the Western Conference standings. They beat the Rapids, drew DC, and beat NYCFC before their loss to Houston. Seven points from four matches sees Portland in third place, and their new manager Phil Neville is impressed with his squad.
Neville was appointed in the offseason to overhaul an underachieving Portland side. They brought in some impressive players to do so, as the club is not afraid to splash cash when they believe in a coach, more on that later. When looking at how the Timbers want to play, you see a club that has bought into the coach’s style of play. Neville wants his team to play with courage on the ball, and it has paid off so far.
The Timbers will be getting a boost in this coming match as their new DP forward Jonathan Rodriguez is available for the match. Portland made a splash getting this new DP forward for $4.1 million; they lacked a true goalscoring difference maker. Rodriguez has had an epic career in Liga MX scoring 108 goals for Santos Laguna, Cruz Azul, and Club America over the last nine years. While Rodriguez will be looking to make the most of his debut, Portland will be without three crucial players.
Goalkeeper, Maxime Crepeau and defender Kamal Miller were called up by Canada, while defender Miguel Araujo is playing for Peru. Portland’s defense may be lacking a bit which could play into Philly’s favor. Either way, both teams will be missing key players. Which will be something Jim Curtin will need to plan for.
Season So Far – Philadelphia
Philadelphia has struggled early on in 2024. The team has relied on the same core of players, not bringing in any more starting caliber players to improve the team, and it has shown as Philly began the year playing in the Concacaf Champions Cup (CCC) and MLS play.
The team has been stretched thin, and the defensive effort has been lacking. Philly has given up 16 goals in six games, only getting one shutout in their first seven matches of the season. The attack has been okay scoring 11 goals over the first seven matches, but the Union seems all out of whack.
With the emphasis being put on CCC, the team has yet to put a good performance together in MLS play to get a win. There is a fight in this Philly side, as they have battled to get those draws; each of which could have been losses. Could we see a shorthanded Union get another road point or even a win?
Philly is without 10 players on international duty:
- Andre Blake
- Damion Lowe
- Nathan Harriel
- Jose Martinez
- Jack McGlynn
- Daniel Gazdag
- Jesus Bueno
- Tai Baribo
- David Vazquez (possible loan call-up)
- Neil Pierre (possible loan call-up).
Because of this, the Union will only have 16 players available for their matchup against Portland. Can Philly overcome the odds, or will they see their first loss in MLS play on Saturday night?
DOOP vs Timbers Predictions
This matchup is of two very different teams right now. One has rebuilt and retooled, and the other has a run-it-back mentality. Both will be without key players, but the home side has a shiny new DP attacker looking to take MLS by storm.
Projected Union XI: 4-4-2 Diamond:
Semmle;
Wagner, Elliot, Glesnes, Mbaizo;
Bedoya,
Ngabo, Sullivan,
Rafanello;
Uhre, Carranza
For the Union to have a chance in this match they will need to show a level of defensive discipline that they have not had this season. Portland is confident and loves to use the ball. If Philly can stay compact and pick the right moments to press and counter, then they may just steal points in this one, but I wouldn’t bet on it…
Prediction: Portland 3 – 1 Union
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Mandatory Credit: Philadelphia Union
