Match Preview: Philadelphia Union look to keep unbeaten streak alive & claim first win in Toronto since 2019

After a disappointing draw to Inter Miami over the weekend, in which they conceded twice in the final minutes of the game, the Philadelphia Union now head North of the border on a quick turnaround to face off against Toronto FC in a midweek MLS matchup. They’ll look to keep their unbeaten streak of nine across all competitions alive.

Coming into Wednesday match with a record of 9W-3D-3L for a total of 30 points and the top spot in the east after 15 games, you still get a sense of hunger from Bradley Carnell’s side, who isn’t happy enough with the draw against Miami given the position they were in to kill the game off.

Looking to learn from their mistakes and to nail down their first win in Toronto in quite some time, Bradley Carnell and Philadelphia are refocusing on their own game before heading on the road for a short trip away from Chester to end a busy May.

“I don’t have to think too much about them [Toronto FC], I’m thinking about my group and refocusing after a very emotional game and taking the necessary steps forward to move on from that and get ready for a tough away stretch in Toronto and we go straight to Dallas after that” – Head Coach Bradley Carnell.

Union, MLS — Image Credit: Philadelphia Union

How to watch Union vs Toronto FC

When: Wednesday, May 28th @ 7:30 pm
Where: BMO Field – Toronto, ON
Where to Watch: MLS Season Pass, Apple TV+

Philadelphia Union vs Toronto FC Betting Odds

Philadelphia Union: +100
Toronto FC: +240
Draw: +240

Preview By The Numbers

*Current Form – Last 5 Games*	Philadelphia Union: W, D, W, W, D	Toronto FC: L, W, L, W, L
*Expected Goals:*	Philadelphia: 30.54 xG (4th best)	Toronto FC: 15.18 xG (Worst in MLS)
*Total Goals Scored:*	Philadelphia Union: 30 goals scored (2nd best)	Toronto FC: 17 goals scored (T-5th worst)
*Expected Conceded Goals:*	Philadelphia: 16.6 xGA (5th best)	Toronto FC: 22.7 xGA (19th best)
*Goals Conceded:*	Philadelphia Union: 17 goals conceded (T-6th best)	Toronto FC: 20 goals conceded (T-8th best)
*Top Goal-Scorers:*	Philadelphia: Baribo – 13 Damiani, Danley, Lukić, Uhre, Sullivan – 2 Vassilev, Glesnes, Westfield, Glavinovich, Harriel – 1	Toronto FC: Bernardeschi – 4 Corbeanu – 3 Kerr, Osorio – 2
*Top Assists Leaders:*	Philadelphia Union: Sullivan – 7 Wagner – 6 Uhre – 4	Toronto FC: Bernardeschi – 4 Insigne – 3 Corbeanu, Osorio, Brynhildsen, Flores, Etienne Jr, Sharp, Dominguez – 1

Head To Head

In 34 matches against Toronto FC, the Philadelphia Union has a record of 11W-8D-15L against their Eastern Conference foes from up North. Despite their troubles against them in the big picture, the Union have had more success against Toronto recently, going 4W-2D-4L in their previous 10 meetings, outscoring Toronto 22-10 during that span, and keeping clean sheets in four.

Though they’ve played Toronto much better over recent years, the Union still seems to run into trouble whenever they head north of the border. In club history, they have won just three of their 18 games in Toronto, the last coming back in 2019 in a 2-1 victory.

Toronto’s Sebastian Giovinco has the most goals among the two clubs, with seven. Jonathan Osorio holds the record among active players with five.

Toronto’s Season So Far

After starting the season winless in 8 games, Toronto FC has looked like they’re starting to steer the boat in the right direction after winning 3 of their last 7. With a record of 3W-4D-8L, Toronto FC comes into Wednesday night’s midweek clash sitting at 14th in the Eastern Conference with just 13 points. They are 8 points out of the final playoff spot heading into the final week of May.

Inconsistency has been the issue for Robin Fraser and Toronto FC this season. Each of their three wins was followed by a loss, and all three of those losses came at home. Strangely, Toronto has been better away from home this season, with a record of just 1W-2D-5L at BMO Field.

“They’re an aggressive team, they have a very competitive midfield, Osorio brings a bit of experience there too, they’re very dangerous on the flanks. I know they have a couple suspensions now, but that doesn’t change the fact that they are dangerous. They’re very good in the transition, I would say they’re one of the most transitional teams that we’re going to face now. So in terms of managing both boxes, we’re going to have to be on high alert and aware of that” – Bradley Carnell.

Union’s Season So Far

If you haven’t heard yet, the Philadelphia Union is off to their best start in club history. Coming into Wednesday’s game with a record of 9W-3D-3L for a total of 30 points, the Philadelphia Union sit top of the East and just 1 point off the Supporters Shield leading heading into Matchday 16 of the season, one game shy of the midway mark of the season.

The month of May was always going to be one of the biggest tests of the season for the Union, and Bradley Carnell and the Union have handled it almost perfectly. With a record of 5W-2D-0L through the first seven games of the month and two to go, the only mishaps have come in those two draws against Columbus in Miami at home, with the Union conceding late goals in both.

“Every coach, every player, if you speak to them all they want to do is play games, and I think the way we’re distributing the minutes, the way the we’re rotating, I think the health within the group is very good, so I think right now we feel we can be competitive wherever we may go.” – Bradley Carnell.

Union Predicted Starting XI

For the first time since May 7th and after missing the previous six games, goalkeeper Andre Blake has been cleared to play for the Philadelphia Union moving forward. It’s unclear if the Union will rush Andre straight back into the team or if there’s any need to with 19-year-old Andrew Rick going 4W-2D-0L during Blake’s absence, but it’s a big bump for the squad knowing one of their leaders is back amongst them on the field.

Formation: 4-2-2-2

GK: Blake
RB: Westfield, CB: Glesnes, CB: Harriel, LB: Wagner
CDM: Bueno, CDM: Lukic
CAM: Q. Sullivan, CAM: Vassilev
ST: Uhre, ST: Damiani

“We’ve officially cleared Dre to return with us; he trained with us this morning. He’s even doing a little extra now off the field, which is great to see. So yeah, we are planning with Dre in and amongst our roster up until he’s called up to the National team” – Bradley Carnell.