The Philadelphia Union have parted ways with head coach Jim Curtin, the club announced on Thursday. 

Curtin was the second-longest serving coach in the MLS, only behind Sporting Kansas City's Peter Vermes, but his 10-year stint at Subaru Park has finally come to an end. 

During the 45-year-old's tenure, the Union won the 2020 Supporters' Shield and made the 2022 MLS Cup final. 

But Philadelphia struggled this season, finishing 12th in the Eastern Conference standings and therefore missing the Audi MLS Cup Playoffs for the first time since 2017.

Curtin oversaw 394 matches in all competitions, winning 170 (D90 L134), ending with a win percentage of 41.9%. 

"We want to extend our heartfelt appreciation to Jim for his passion and dedication to this club over the last 10 seasons," sporting director Ernst Tanner said in a statement.

"He greatly contributed to the success the club has achieved in recent years and for that, we are extremely grateful.

"We thank Jim for the significant impact he made both on the field and in the community. Following the 2024 season, we recognise the need for change.

"We'll continue to evaluate our sporting strategy and make the necessary changes this offseason to best set the team up for success."

In the Western Conference, the San Jose Earthquakes named Bruce Arena as their new head coach and sporting director after a poor 2024 season. 

They conceded an MLS-record 78 goals and finished bottom of the overall league standings, parting ways with Luchi Gonzalez before being led by interim coach Ian Russell.

Arena takes charge of his fifth club in the MLS and his first since resigning from his position with the New England Revolution in 2023. 

The 73-year-old is the most accomplished coach in MLS history, leading the league in regular-season wins (262) and Audi MLS Cup Playoffs victories (35).

Additionally, Arena led the United States at the 2002 and 2006 World Cups and won three CONCACAF Gold Cup titles.

"I am extremely excited for the opportunity to come to San Jose," said Arena.

"I coached my first ever professional game at Spartan Stadium in 1996 – the first game in MLS history – and my first international game with the U.S. in 1998 was in San Jose.

"The Earthquakes and Northern California have a proud soccer tradition.

"There’s a lot of potential with the club, and I am looking forward to working with everyone here to unlock that potential and get back to winning ways."

Los Angeles FC beat their cross-city rivals, the LA Galaxy, to top spot in the Western Conference on the final day of the MLS regular season, while D.C. United were pipped to a playoff place by Atlanta United.

The Galaxy simply needed to avoid defeat to take the West's number one seed, with LAFC coming from behind to beat the San Jose Earthquakes 3-1.

Having gone behind to an Ezequiel Ponce strike away at the Houston Dynamo, the Galaxy drew level six minutes into second-half stoppage time as MLS Newcomer of the Year favourite Gabriel Pec converted from the penalty spot.

However, former Galaxy defender Daniel Steres headed into the top-left corner 11 minutes into stoppage time to hand LAFC their third conference title, and their second in three seasons.

Elsewhere, there was heartbreak for Troy Lesesne's D.C. side as a 3-0 defeat at home to Charlotte FC saw them slip out of the wild-card places in the Eastern Conference.

That result opened the door to Atlanta, who upset Orlando City with a 2-1 road win to move ahead of D.C. on goal difference and join Montreal in the wild-card round.

Josef Martinez joined Caden Clark on the scoresheet as Montreal beat already-qualified New York City 2-0 at Stade Saputo to finish eighth.

Those results meant the Philadelphia Union missed the postseason for the first time since 2017, as they squandered a 1-0 lead in a 2-1 home loss to FC Cincinnati to finish 12th. 

Jim Curtin knows it will be a tall order for the Philadelphia Union to clinch an MLS Cup Playoff place on Decision Day, simply telling his team to do their bit versus FC Cincinnati.

Philadelphia must beat last season's Supporters' Shield winners and hope CF Montreal and D.C. United both lose, to New York City and Charlotte FC respectively, to extend their season.

The Union have only missed the playoffs in two of their nine full campaigns under Curtin, but they are on the brink of doing so following back-to-back defeats to Orlando City (2-1) and the Columbus Crew (3-1).

Ahead of this weekend's Decision-Day clash with Cincinnati, Curtin said: "At this time of year you have to do the little things right and we didn't [versus Columbus].

"It's not in our control anymore, so we'll need some help. What we can control is getting a win at home against a strong Cincinnati team, something we're more than capable of.

"Obviously we've let ourselves down in recent weeks, we've played some great opponents and had chances to get back into games.

"But if we're honest, we were outplayed by Orlando and Columbus, those two teams are a level above us right now. Now it comes down to Decision Day."

Cincinnati have already clinched their playoff place but have suffered three straight defeats to Los Angeles FC, NYCFC and Orlando. 

Speaking after their most recent loss, winger Yamil Asad said he would prefer the Orange and Blue to make their mistakes before the postseason begins.

"This is tough because we are close to the playoffs, this is the third loss in a week," Asad said.

"But I think it's better to happen now and fix all of these bad things that we did and be focused on and keep doing the right things."

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Philadelphia Union – Andre Blake

Philadelphia have scored 61 goals but sit below the playoff line entering the final day of the season. 

No team in MLS history has scored 62 or more goals in a regular season and missed the playoffs (35/35 entering 2024).

If they are to sneak into the postseason, they may need a big performance from Blake, whose save percentage of 75% is the second-best of any MLS goalkeeper with at least 10 appearances this year.

FC Cincinnati – Luciano Acosta 

Acosta has recorded 93 goal contributions over the last three seasons (41 goals, 52 assists), more than any other player over a three-season span in MLS history (Sebastian Giovinco – 92 from 2015 to 2017).

MATCH PREDICTION – PHILADELPHIA UNION WIN

Cincinnati enter the final match of the season with 10 away wins already 2024. The most road wins in a single season in the post-shootout era (since 2000) in MLS is 11, set by Montreal in 2022 and matched by Inter Miami this season.

They face a daunting task in looking to match those feats, though. The Union knocked Cincinnati out of this year's Leagues Cup in the last 16 with a 4-2 away win on August 13. 

The Union have taken 10 points from their last five home league games (three wins, one draw, one defeat), scoring 13 times in those matches, and simply must win.

OPTA WIN PROBABILITY

Philadelphia Union – 46.8%

FC Cincinnati – 26.8%

Draw – 26.4%

Despite boasting a strong road record this season, Jim Curtin still believes Philadelphia Union can do better in their final away match against Columbus Crew.

The Union lost their most recent road outing, falling 2-1 to Orlando City in midweek, but had only lost one of their previous three such games before that.

They are one of three teams currently on 37 points in the Eastern Conference, but sit 10th, below Toronto FC due to winning fewer games.

Curtin knows they need to win their last two matches and hopes they can improve on Wednesday's performance.

"I think our road record has been good enough this year," Curtin said. "Overall, at this stage of the year, as you know, the margins are razor-thin.

"We have to do a better job in the attacking end and also defending our box because the goals we concede, we could just do a lot better on it.

"Obviously, we'll look at it, try and get ready, regroup, and go against Columbus very quickly."

Meanwhile, Columbus had a four-match unbeaten streak snapped by their 3-2 defeat to Supporters’ Shield winners Inter Miami.

With three games left, they are looking to secure second in the table to give themselves a stronger playoff position.

Wilfried Nancy was disappointed by the defeat to Miami but hopes they can show their fighting spirit in what he expects to be another tough game.

"We know we're able to compete against top teams, and we showed that against Miami. The next game is going to be another story," he said.

"They may not have [Lionel] Messi, but they have good players. We have no problem with competing, and even with 10 men in the last game, we were still proactive, we were brave and courageous."

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Columbus Crew – Diego Rossi

Diego Rossi scored his 12th goal of the season for the Crew on Wednesday, his fourth MLS season with 12 or more goals.

Only six players in league history have more seasons with 12 or more goals than Rossi.

Philadelphia Union – Mikael Uhre

Mikael Uhre has four goals and four assists in his last nine MLS appearances, including an assist on the Union’s lone goal on Wednesday.

Uhre has contributed to at least one goal in seven of those nine matches.

MATCH PREDICTION: COLUMBUS CREW WIN

Columbus are unbeaten in 10 straight home matches against the Union in all competitions (W6 D4), including a 3-1 win in the Leagues Cup semifinals on August 21. The Union's last win at Columbus was a 2-1 victory at Historic Crew Stadium in August 2016.

However, Columbus have lost two of their last three regular-season home matches (W1) after losing just one of their previous 24 at Lower.com Field in league play. The Crew have allowed 10 goals over the three games after letting in nine goals in its first 12 home matches this season.

Meanwhile, Philadelphia's defeat to Orlando City on Wednesday was their 13th loss of the campaign to go along with only nine wins. This will be the first time since 2017 that Philadelphia will have more losses than wins over a single regular season.

OPTA WIN PROBABILITY

Columbus Crew – 58%

Draw – 21.8%

Philadelphia Union – 20.2%

Jim Curtin is confident the Philadelphia Union have put themselves in a good position, but admits they need to stop dropping points ahead of their trip to Orlando City.

The Union had recorded back-to-back wins in MLS before last weekend, when they let a lead slip to draw 1-1 with Atlanta United.

It leaves them ninth in the Eastern Conference, one of three teams on 37 points, as they push for a place in the playoffs.

Despite the tight table, Curtin is optimistic that their solid work to this point will be enough to help them qualify.

"We're at a point in the year that every team in and around that red line are very desperate," he said.

"It's going to go down to the last day for sure, and we've put ourselves in a situation where we're still in control of our own destiny, but our margin for error is small.

"Not taking the extra two points against Atlanta makes it a little more challenging, no doubts about that."

Meanwhile, Orlando clinched their playoff place last time out with a 3-1 win over FC Dallas.

Sitting fourth in the table, Oscar Pareja was proud of how his team turned around a poor start to the campaign but is still pushing them to finish the regular season strongly.

"We're so excited, and we have a lot of gratitude with the club and with the fans that have supported us this year," Pareja said. "One more time we qualify for the playoffs.

"It's great for a group of players that have a big heart and a big love for the club too, and a lot of passion for what they do. So, I'm very happy.

"We still have a journey to navigate. The boys are in a good mentality."

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Orlando City – Facundo Torres

With a goal on Saturday, Facundo Torres has contributed to at least one goal in five straight regular season matches, equalling the longest streak of his career.

The Orlando City club record for consecutive games with a goal contribution is six, done three times before, including by Martin Ojeda earlier this season.

Philadelphia Union – Nathan Harriel

The Union drew, 1-1, with Atlanta United on Saturday despite taking a 1-0 lead, with Harriel scoring their lone goal.

Philadelphia have now dropped 24 points from winning positions this season, the second-most in MLS in 2024 (St. Louis City – 25) and most in a single season in club history, and Harriel will want to help his fellow defenders ensure it does not happen again.

MATCH PREDICTION: ORLANDO CITY WIN

Orlando defeated the Union 3-2 at Subaru Park on May 11. The Lions have never defeated Philadelphia twice in a single season before.

Indeed, Orlando are unbeaten in nine straight home matches (W6 D3) in all competitions, including keeping clean sheets in each of the last four. This is the first time they kept clean sheets in four straight home matches in all competitions in club history.

Meanwhile, the Union have won two of their last three regular-season away matches (L1), including a 5-1 victory at New York City FC on September 18. Philadelphia had won only one of their previous eight road league matches prior to this run.

OPTA WIN PROBABILITY

Orlando City – 45.9%

Draw – 26.7%

Philadelphia Union – 27.4%

Jim Curtin knows Philadelphia Union have no margin for error as they chase a playoff spot, with Atlanta United next up for them in MLS.

The Union are currently ninth in the Eastern Conference, having put together big back-to-back wins against New York City FC (5-1) and D.C. United (4-0) in their last two matches.

They have now won three of their last four matches in the league, but Curtin warned his players that they cannot ease off the pressure until their playoff spot is secured.

"Every game is must win now. There's no margin for error for any team that isn't above the red line comfortably," Curtin said.

"The home games always become really critical. We've had a tough schedule, but all these points matter because anything could be the difference.

"There'll be a lot of highs and lows, and everybody still has hope and it's going to be a sprint to the finish. We recognise the challenge, but you have to say must-win until you're mathematically eliminated."

Meanwhile, Atlanta sit two places and three points below their opponents in the table after failing to win any of their last three matches.

They have drawn their last two outings 2-2 though, and interim head coach Rob Valentino is hoping they can take a more direct approach in an attempt to find a cutting edge.

"Do we really think we can play through? Then great, let's do it," Valentino said. "But if I think that we can be more direct and expose their centrebacks or expose a certain area of the pitch, let's go and do it.

"Let's not waste time with the ball. The intentional possession of what we're doing with it. I just want to make sure that we're intentional about what we're doing with the ball."

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Philadelphia Union – Mikael Uhre

Mikael Uhre scored the opening goal in the Union's win over D.C. United on Sunday, his fourth straight match with a goal.

Uhre is the fifth player in Union history to score in four straight regular-season matches, though only one, Daniel Gazdag, has scored in five straight (August-September 2022).

Atlanta United – Edwin Mosquera

Edwin Mosquera's goal at 90+2' for Atlanta United on Saturday was the club's 11th goal from outside the box this season.

Only Sporting Kansas City and Real Salt Lake (12 each) have more in 2024.

MATCH PREDICTION: PHILADELPHIA UNION WIN

The Union have won each of their last four regular-season home matches against Atlanta United. Atlanta's lone win at Subaru Park was a 2-0 victory in July 2018.

The Union have won two straight matches, winning each by a four-goal margin. This is the 15th time in MLS history a team has recorded back-to-back four-goal wins, including the second by the Union (August 2022), but no team has ever won three straight matches by four or more goals.

Meanwhile, Atlanta have won only two of their last 10 regular season matches (D3 L5) dating back to the beginning of July. Each of Atlanta's last two matches ended in 2-2 draws.

OPTA WIN PROBABILITY

Philadelphia Union – 56.9%

Draw – 22.3%

Atlanta United – 20.8%

Daniel Gazdag scored twice as the Philadelphia Union thrashed rivals D.C. United 4-0 in MLS on Sunday, maintaining their push for a playoff berth.

Hungary international Gazdag netted either side of half-time and was joined on the scoresheet by Mikael Uhre and Tai Baribo as the Union ran riot at Subaru Park.

Uhre scored for a fourth straight game just 13 minutes in, tapping home after good work from Quinn Sullivan on the right flank, then Gazdag doubled Philadelphia's lead three minutes later.

He pounced on a poor clearance from Christopher McVey to lash a shot past Alex Bono, later doubling up by capping a swift 69th-minute counterattack.

Baribo got in on the action between Gazdag's goals by heading home Sullivan's cross, with D.C.'s best opportunity for a consolation seeing Boris Enow's shot deflect off Nathan Harriel and rattle the post.

While Philadelphia continue to occupy the Eastern Conference's final wild-card berth with four regular-season games to play, D.C. are three points adrift of the playoff picture in 13th.

Data Debrief: Gazdag at the double

Gazdag's brace took him to 17 regular-season goals for 2024, seven more than any other Philadelphia player has managed, with Uhre bringing up double figures on Sunday.

Only D.C. captain Christian Benteke – who was limited to two shots totalling 0.14 expected goals (xG) on Sunday – has outscored him in MLS this term (19 goals).

Troy Lesesne admitted D.C. United's trip to Philadelphia Union could have huge playoff implications, but played down the significance of a win.

D.C. are level on points with Philadelphia but sit one place below them in the Eastern Conference in 10th due to their inferior goal difference.

Lesesne's team are currently unbeaten in three, having come from behind to draw 1-1 with New York City FC last time out after back-to-back wins.

A win on Sunday would move D.C. above their opponents, but Lesesne is not resting their end-of-season hopes on one match.

"This is a big match, there's no way around that," Lesesne said.

"Regardless of the outcome, there are still going to be four matches after this weekend that will be equally as important.

"Clearly, we can position ourselves in a great way if we can pick up three points, but it's not in this mindset of a 'must-win' by putting the weight of the world on this result.

"We need to recognise the importance, but not go over the top by putting too much significance on it with five left to play."

Meanwhile, Philadelphia bounced back from defeat to Inter Miami by thrashing NYCFC 5-1 in midweek.

Head coach Jim Curtin was buoyed by that result and is keen to keep that momentum going at the weekend.

"I think we've had a playoff mindset and a playoff mentality because we've put ourselves in a situation where we've had to," Curtin said.

"We have to find ways to take points in hard games. The win [against NYCFC] means nothing if we don't go home and take care of business there in our next two big games."

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Philadelphia Union – Tai Baribo

Tai Baribo had both a goal and an assist in Philadelphia's win on Wednesday.

It was Baribo's first assist as a member of the Union to go with his 15 career goals for the club in all competitions.

D.C. United – Christian Benteke

Christian Benteke scored in D.C. United's last away match, a 2-1 win at Chicago Fire, his 10th road goal of the regular season.

The only D.C. player to score more goals on the road in a single regular season was Roy Lassiter (11) in 1999.

MATCH PREDICTION: PHILADELPHIA UNION WIN

The Union have won 12 of their last 16 regular season matches against D.C. United (D3 L1) dating back to May 2017. Philadelphia outscored D.C. 46-14 over those 16 matches.

However, Philadelphia have lost seven of their last 12 regular season home matches (W2 D3) after losing just six of their previous 78 such games at Subaru Park dating back to March 2019 (W53 D19).

Meanwhile, D.C. have collected 13 points from their last six regular season matches (W4 D1 L1) after earning just 11 points from their previous 17 league matches (W2 D5). This is the first time they have collected 13 points in a span of six regular season matches since August-September 2021.

OPTA WIN PROBABILITY

Philadelphia Union – 57.1%

Draw – 22.2%

D.C. United – 20.7%

Philadelphia Union head coach Jim Curtin is confident his side can reach the playoffs despite their 3-1 defeat to Inter Miami last time out.

Mikael Uhre had given the Union the lead in the first minute against the Eastern Conference leaders, only for Lionel Messi to score twice on his return to MLS action as Luis Suarez confirmed the triumph in injury time.

The result leaves Philadelphia in ninth heading into the final six games of the season, three points behind D.C. United, while the Union also have a game in hand.

Curtin acknowledged his side can only have themselves to blame for the position they are currently in, but he is sure that his players are showing positive signs in their quest for the playoffs.

“We have a tough schedule. The rest of the way, it's in our hands, but if the team can regroup and perform like that, we can certainly make a push,” Curtin said.

"It's no easy task to go to New York City and win, but it's something we've done before, and it's not impossible. Then, obviously, for the two home games, we have to be at our very best and those have to be wins.

“We've put ourselves in this hole, but I agree with you, we are playing much better, and we have created a lot of opportunities. We were close tonight to taking points back to Philly, which isn't easy against this team.”

NYCFC, meanwhile, were held to a 1-1 draw with D.C. in their last encounter, extending their winless MLS run to seven matches.

Their form, however, has not affected their league position, with the Pigeons currently occupying sixth place in the Eastern Conference table.

Head coach Nick Cushing left Audi Field disappointed about getting just a point, but in hindsight, knew it was another step closer to achieving their ambitions for the season.

"The mentality of our team, the hunger and desire of our team, it definitely feels like two points dropped," said head coach Nick Cushing after the game.

"We want to win and solidify our league position, we want to continue to show improvement, like we have all year. We played really well in the first half.

“So it does feel like two points dropped but we have got to be realistic, it's difficult to come to a place like DC."

PLAYERS TO WATCH

NYCFC – Alonso Martinez

Martinez has scored two goals in each of the Pigeons’ last two home matches.

No NYCFC player has recorded three straight multi-goal games at home, while Nashville SC’s Hany Mukhtar in 2022 was the last player to do so in MLS.

Philadelphia Union – Mikael Uhre

Uhre scored the Union’s only goal on Saturday, his 30th career regular season goal since joining MLS in 2022.

The Union, with three players (Uhre, Daniel Gazdag – 50 and the since-departed Julian Carranza – 34), are the only team with multiple players to score 30 or more goals since the start of the 2022 season.

MATCH PREDICTION: NYCFC WIN

NYCFC ended a five-match losing streak against the Union in all competitions with a 2-1 victory in May. The Pigeons have not defeated the Union twice in a single season since winning both meetings during the 2019 campaign.

The hosts drew their last match on home soil with Chicago Fire last time out, and have not gone winless in two straight home matches in a year, since draws with the Vancouver Whitecaps and the New York Red Bulls in September 2023.

Philadelphia’s defeat to Inter Miami was the club’s fifth loss in their last six regular season away games. The Union had lost only one of their previous 11 away league matches, dating back to September 2023.

OPTA WIN PROBABILITY

NYCFC – 43.6%

Draw – 26.8%

Philadelphia Union – 29.6%

Lionel Messi led Inter Miami's comeback, getting a brace and an assist on his return from injury in a 3-1 win over Philadelphia Union.

The Argentine had been out with an ankle injury he sustained in the Copa America final, but he slotted straight back into the line-up after an eight-match absence.

Philadelphia made a dream start against the Eastern Conference leaders, with Mikael Uhre latching onto a loose clearance from Tomas Aviles before coolly slotting in from the edge of the D after just 58 seconds.

Messi got his first goal in the 26th minute, with Luis Suarez cushioning the ball to him before he rounded the defender to level the score.

He then gave Miami the lead just four minutes later – Alba, in acres of space down the left, squared it to Messi for a first-time finish through Jack Elliott's legs.

Suarez thought he had scored a third just after the break with a lovely bending effort into the near post, only to be denied by a tight offside in the build-up.

But he would get his goal in the 98th minute, with Messi unselfishly setting him up instead of going for a hat-trick, and the Uruguayan swept it into the back of the net.

Miami now have a 10-point lead over FC Cincinnati at the top of the Eastern Conference, while Philadelphia sit in 11th place.

Data Debrief: Back with a bang

Miami have not exactly been missing Messi during his injury absence, with Suarez, who netted his 17th goal of the season this game, picking up the goalscoring mantle in the meantime, but it was a welcome return nonetheless. 

The 37-year-old became the fastest player in MLS history to reach 15 goals and 15 assists, doing so in 19 games. Sebastian Giovinco previously held the record (29 matches).

Miami head coach Gerardo Martino is hoping Luis Suarez's influence can inspire the team to victory once again when they welcome Philadelphia Union to Chase Stadium.

The Herons have already clinched an MLS playoff place and recorded an impressive 4-1 victory over Chicago Fire last time out.

Suarez scored twice in his last two matches, propelling Miami to 59 points on top of the Eastern Conference, and Martino has been impressed with how the Uruguayan has led the line.

"Luis was probably the best player on the field [against Chicago], but I don't want to focus only on the goals because that is normal for him," he said.

"I prefer to focus on his game as a whole, the ball circulation and all the passes to midfielders and, because of that, we can play in other parts of the field. He did that very well."

Miami have been without talisman Lionel Messi since MLS action returned due to an ankle injury he sustained in the Copa America final, but Julian Gressel believes he could be back soon.

"It's nice to see [Messi] back out there," Gressel told the Player/Manager podcast. "If you can add a guy like that after what we've done over the past two months, it's certainly going to be an interesting kind of finish to the end here."

Meanwhile, Philadelphia are 11th in the standings but got back to winning ways with a 2-0 victory over New York Red Bulls last time out.

Head coach Jim Curtin was pleased to grind out the win but believes there are still improvements to be made.

"We were all disappointed with losing to a very strong Columbus team, but I had a good response [against New York RB]," Curtin said.

"I think big picture wise, if you look at the first 15 minutes of [the New York] game, that's us at our best. We have it in us, and now the challenge is to sustain it for all 90."

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Inter Miami – Luis Suarez

Since the return of MLS action following the Leagues Cup break, Suarez has been running defences riot, scoring braces against both Cincinnati and Chicago Fire.

Against the Fire last weekend, he had the most shots (nine), shots on target (five), big chances (three) and touches in the opposition box (10), proving a constant threat in just under 80 minutes.

Philadelphia Union – Mikael Uhre

Mikael Uhre returned to the scoresheet against the New York Red Bulls last time out, netting his seventh goal of the season, the joint-second-highest tally in the team this season.

He is also known for his creative ability though, as his assist for Tai Baribo was his fifth of the campaign, with only Kai Wagner playing on more.

MATCH PREDICTION: INTER MIAMI WIN

Miami have recorded wins in each of their last two matches against the Union in all competitions. The Herons had won just two of their first eight all-time matches against Philadelphia (D2 L4).

Miami are just the second team in the post-shootout era (since 2000) to record 15 wins in a span of 19 matches in a single regular season (after Seattle Sounders in 2018). No team in the post-shootout era has won 16 times in a span of 20 matches within a single regular season.

Meanwhile, Philadelphia snapped a four-match regular-season road losing streak with a 2-0 win at the Red Bulls on August 31. Those four losses are the Union's only road defeats of the regular season in 2024 (W4 D5).

OPTA WIN PROBABILITY

Inter Miami – 51.8%

Draw – 24.6%

Philadelphia Union – 23.6%

 Reggae Boyz Captain and JustBet Ambassador Andre Blake made a significant contribution to his alma mater, Clarendon College, by donating $500,000 to support the school's athletic and infrastructural development. This donation reflects Blake's ongoing commitment to giving back to the community that helped shape his personal and professional life.

At a special handing over ceremony at the school on Tuesday September 3, 2024, Blake, a proud alumnus, expressed his deep gratitude for the role the institution played in his early development. "Clarendon College was one of the key institutions that contributed to my growth as a footballer and a person. The school means a lot to me, and I'm honoured to be able to give back in a meaningful way," Blake said. "I hope this donation will inspire the students here to pursue their dreams, both in academics and athletics."

The $500,000 donation, which was facilitated through Blake’s partnership with the Supreme Ventures Foundation and Sagicor Foundation, will be used to expand the school’s football playing facilities creating better opportunities for students in sports to develop their skills.

Principal David Wilson expressed his appreciation for the donation, noting its positive impact on the school's programs. "We are extremely grateful to Andre Blake and the Supreme Ventures Foundation for their generous contribution that will help us greatly enhance the sporting experience for our students," Wilson said.

Blake, who currently plays for the Philadelphia Union in Major League Soccer (MLS) and serves as captain of the Jamaican national team, has a long-standing commitment to philanthropy and youth development. His donation to Clarendon College is part of his broader effort to support the next generation of athletes and leaders in Jamaica.

Sandro Schwarz is keen to turn New York Red Bulls’ recent draws into wins heading into the business end of the season, starting with Philadelphia Union this weekend.

The Bulls returned from their disappointing Leagues Cup campaign with a 1-1 draw against Charlotte FC away from home, marking their 12th of the term, three more than any other side in the Eastern Conference.

Despite this, they sit fourth in the standings, four points behind Columbus Crew, and while Schwarz was happy with a draw in their last encounter, he acknowledged the momentum that comes with victories will be crucial for the playoffs.

“We have 12 draws this season and it’s too much, but this is what we have to analyse differently moving forward,” Schwarz said.

“I think the draw we had last time out was good against a solid team and especially in the first game after the break to come directly back into our rhythm.

“The whole team adapted but I don’t want to compare now this draw with other draws, especially in our home games. Our main goal every Saturday is to win games.”

Philadelphia, meanwhile, returned to MLS action in midweek against Columbus Crew, the side who beat them in the semi-finals on their way to lifting the Leagues Cup title.

And the same result transpired, with Yaw Yeboah’s 75th minute strike compounding them to a 1-0 defeat to leave them 10th in the Eastern Conference table and a point behind Atlanta United.

With the quick turnaround in matches, head coach Jim Curtin expressed his concerns about the level of fitness within his Union squad, revealing that rotation in the coming weeks will help aid his sides push for the playoffs in the final stretch of fixtures.

"We'll see how guys recover again tonight. Definitely took a lot out of our guys,” Curtin said. “We put a lot into the game. So did Columbus.

“Lot of tired bodies on the field at the end of the game. We'll have to assess things, see where guys are at, and then kind of go from there.

"Yeah, we'll need guys to step up for sure. We'll have a few changes, but not a ton, just because it's a big game again so we can't really afford to just rest and rotate a ton."

PLAYERS TO WATCH

NYRB – Elias Manoel

Elias Manoel scored the Red Bulls’ lone goal against Charlotte FC on Saturday, his seventh in six meetings with Charlotte (incl. playoffs), equalling the total from his other 57 MLS matches (incl. playoffs).

Philadelphia Union – Daniel Gazdag

After being so prolific for the Union this season, Daniel Gazdag did not attempt a shot or create a chance for a teammate in the Union’s defeat to Columbus Crew.

It was the first time Gazdag started a match but was not involved in a shot since May 2022 as he had recorded at least one shot involvement in his previous 69 MLS starts, and he will be hoping to have a bigger impact this time around.

MATCH PREDICTION: NYRB WIN

The Bulls extended their unbeaten run in all competitions to 11 matches (W2 D9, incl. two penalty shoot-out defeats) with their draw against Charlotte FC. Only Los Angeles FC (13 straight in May-July) have a longer unbeaten streak in all competitions this campaign.

Philadelphia, however, are unbeaten in 13 straight matches against the Red Bulls in all competitions (W8 D5). New York’s last win over the Union was a 2—0 victory in the 2019 regular season.

The Union’s defeat to the Crew last time out was their 11th defeat of the regular season. They haven’t lost more than 11 games in any single regular season since losing 14 times in 2018.

OPTA WIN PROBABILITY

NYRB – 43.9%

Draw – 26.8%

Philadelphia Union – 29.3%

Leagues Cup champions the Columbus Crew made a winning return to MLS as they beat the Philadelphia Union 1-0.

The Crew beat Philadelphia 3-1 last week in the Leagues Cup semi-finals, before going on to defeat Los Angeles FC in the final.

And the reigning MLS Cup winners continued their excellent form in Wednesday's rearranged contest against the Union.

Substitute Yaw Yeboah grabbed the decisive goal, heading home from Max Arfsten's delivery in the 75th minute.

The Union had hit the woodwork twice in the first half, with Patrick Schulte tipping Tai Baribo's close-range attempt onto the post before Quinn Sullivan struck the crossbar.

Columbus are third in the Eastern Conference, though have two games in hand on the teams around them, while the Union sit 10th.

Data Debrief: Union's winning streak snapped

Wednesday's defeat marked the Union's first home loss to the Crew in MLS in the space of nine games, with Philadelphia having won seven and drawn one of the previous eight such meetings.

Philadelphia returned to form in MLS before the Leagues Cup break, winning two games, though they have won only three of their last 20 MLS games.

Cucho Hernandez insisted that Columbus Crew's Leagues Cup triumph is now in the past as they return to MLS action to face Philadelphia Union in midweek. 

Hernandez, who scored twice in their 3-1 win over LAFC in the final, was named the tournament's MVP for his impressive displays throughout the competition. 

The Colombian registered seven goal involvements (four goals and three assists) during the Crew's run to the final, including a strike against the Union in the semi-finals.

But sitting third in the Eastern Conference table, five points behind Cincinnati with three games in hand, Hernandez said the mentality of the team has already switched.

“We are so proud of doing this,” Hernandez said on his sides Leagues Cup win. “We work every day to do this. It’s not lucky; it’s work.

"We are always thinking about what’s coming [next]. That’s the mentality of this team.

“Now, we enjoy ourselves. Of course, we deserve it. But tomorrow we have MLS, and that’s the mentality.”

Philadelphia, meanwhile, will be aiming to exact revenge on their Leagues Cup foes as they look to mount a push for the playoffs in the final stretch of fixtures.

The Union were beaten 3-1 by Columbus in the semi-finals of the tournament and lost on penalties to Colorado Rapids in the third-place match. 

Ahead of the Leagues Cup, Jim Curtin's side had won consecutive MLS games, propelling them into the playoff picture and currently sit 10th in the Eastern Conference table, a point behind Atlanta United with a game in hand.

And the Philadelphia head coach said his players acknowledged the task ahead of them, emphasising the importance of taking every opportunity coming their way. 

"The players are looking forward to returning to league play," Curtin said. "We recognise now we are not where we want to be in the standings this year. 

"We have an opportunity to maximise the amount of points we take down the stretch and make things right and find a way to get into the playoffs. 

"It's a difficult test for sure, it's not a lot of rest, but we are on the same amount of rest as Columbus, so we have to have a good reaction in our building."

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Philadelphia Union – Daniel Gazdag

Daniel Gazdag scored a hat-trick in the Union’s last regular-season match, taking the Hungarian's tally to 14 goals in 21 MLS appearances.

It was Gazdag’s third career MLS treble, surpassing Julian Carranza (two) for the most in team's history.

Columbus Crew – Cucho Hernandez

Hernandez will be hopeful of continuing his electric Leagues Cup form upon his return to league action. He has recorded 60 goal contributions (38 goals and 22 assists) in 61 career regular-season MLS matches.

Since the beginning of June, the Colombian has been involved in 16 goals (nine goals and seven assists) in nine league matches.

MATCH PREDICTION: DRAW

Columbus suffered a 2-1 defeat at Atlanta United in the club’s final regular-season match before the Leagues Cup break. The Crew haven’t lost consecutive regular-season matches in over a year, since defeats at Cincinnati and Nashville in May 2023.

Philadelphia have won their last two league matches before the Leagues Cup break after a run of 10 MLS games without a win (D4 L6). In fact, the Union had won just one of its previous 17 regular-season encounters (D5 L11) before winning the last two.

The Union are unbeaten in eight straight home fixtures against the Crew (W7 D1) including winning the last five in a row. Only one team in the last 20 years has won six straight regular-season home matches against Columbus – Orlando City (six) from 2018-23.

OPTA WIN PROBABILITY

Philadelphia Union – 35.5%

Draw – 26.1%

Columbus Crew – 38.5%