Previewing Philadelphia Union vs FC Cincinnati: Health and Competition soar before rivalry match

The Philadelphia Union opened their 2025 season with a bang, securing a 4-2 win on the road at Orlando City. Bradley Carnell impressed with his pressing style, and the players were ready to shock the league. The expectations surrounding the club were lower than they have been in the past few years, and a new face was leading the squad. This made it easier for Philadelphia to ascribe to their new style and turn heads. Now they come into week two ready for their home opener against a heated rival in FC Cincinnati.

Philadelphia Union vs FC Cincinnati Preview

Make no mistake, this game is a rivalry. Over the last few years, we have seen these teams duke it out against each other in big games. Add in the familiarity with the players, executive, and coaches that have represented both teams, and there’s a genuine competitive spirit when these sides play. It’s like playing a brother, and who doesn’t want to beat them in a pickup game in the backyard? That’s what a Philly-Cincy match feels like.

The 2025 editions of this will feel a bit different. This will be the first time FC Cincinnati coach Pat Noonan comes back to Philly and doesn’t see his mentor Jim Curtin on the sideline. The dynamic is a bit different, but it’s interesting to think how things could have been different if Noonan had stayed in Philly and was the successor to Curtin, and if Chris Albright stayed in the front office to pull some strings and find the caliber of players he’s been able to bring to Cincinnati. Enough with the what ifs, let’s focus on what this game will look like.

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Of course, the clubs are familiar; however, they are teams in different eras right now. Philadelphia is rebuilding with a new coach and revamped system, while Cincinnati is in win-now mode. The contrast in expectations is vast, and it could play a factor in the first meeting between these two teams in 2025.

How to Watch

When: Saturday, March 1st @ 7:30 pm
Where: Subaru Park – Chester, PA
Where to Watch: Apple TV+

Philadelphia Union vs Orlando City Betting Odds

Philadelphia Union: +140
Draw: +250
FC Cincinnati: +170

Best Union vs FCC Bets

FC Cincinnati are a win now team

FC Cincinnati has been one of the favorites to win trophies this season. A lot of the talk has centered around how they can compete with Miami for the top of the East. This is interesting, as this club, like many others in MLS, made big moves in the offseason.

FCC has its newest attacking piece, Kevin Denkey. They brought him in for $16.2 million, which was the MLS record transfer fee at the time of the deal. He is a perfect striker, showing his ability to get involved in all facets of the game while being a consistent goal scorer; Dankey has three goals in three matches already in 2025 for Cincy. This wasn’t the only move they made to strengthen their team.

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Long-time captain and club legend Luciano Acosta was traded to FC Dallas just a few weeks before the start of their season. This left a number 10-sized hole in their midfield, which Cincy filled quickly by trading for ex-Poland Timber player Evander. Once again, Cincinnati loses one star player and replaces him with another.

This team is deadly in its attack. Its players can punish mistakes and throttle a game with their ability to possess the ball. Against Philly, they will look to do just that and deal with the relentless press. Cincinnati showed they can weather the storm against a pressing team; they beat New York Red Bulls 1-0 last week with Denkey getting the lone goal. This week the Union will be hoping they can be more disorienting and find a second straight win.

Predicted FCC Starting XI – Formation: 5-3-2

Celentano;
Yedlin, Flores, Robinson, Hadebe, Engel;
Evander, Nwobodo, Bucha;
Denkey, Kubo.

Can the Union keep hot start going?

The Philadelphia Union have already defied some expectations from the fans. After a down year last year, firing their longtime head coach and letting go of fan-favorite players, there was more pessimism surrounding the club than there normally is. A 4-2 thrashing against an up-and-coming Orlando side on the road, and things are off to a flying start. A focus on one game at a time seems to be inspiring this team not to get too high or too low.

Coming into game two, the Union are riding a high, but it’s not the one you might think. Winning the first game was nice, but having a full and healthy team is more important. New players Bruno Damiani and Indiana Vassilev are fit and available for the home opener; they add some much-needed depth and quality in midfield and attack. On top of that, right back Nathan Harriel is back from a preseason injury. This team is fit and ready for the challenge of Cincinnati.

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Having a deep team is important to a season’s success. Losing a few important players to injury can ruin a season—just look at last year. When players are healthy, there is competition for spots. This is what Philly, and head coach Breadley Carnell have to deal with now. With a home opener against a rival, do you turn to the new players who are ready, or do you reward the players who started the season strong?

It is too early to tell with Carnell at the helm for Philly. A mixture of players who started so hot and those returning from injury or newly available will be needed. My hunch is that we will see a generally unchanged lineup from week one; the only change is that starting right back Harriel will come into the XI. Time will tell how the Union goes out there in match number two. A commitment to the style of play and a passion to compete is what fans want to see; a second straight win would be the icing on the cake.

Predicted Union Starting XI – Formation: 4-2-2-2

Blake;
Wagner, Makhanya, Glesnes, Harriel;
Lukic, Danley;
Gazdag, Sullivan;
Uhre, Baribo.