Top-of-the-table Philadelphia Union return to Subaru Park this Saturday looking to tighten their grip on the Eastern Conference summit as they host playoff-chasing Charlotte FC, who aim to build momentum following a bounce-back win last time out.
Union Unbeaten in Nine
After a disappointing 2024 campaign that saw them miss the playoffs, Philadelphia Union have come roaring back in 2025. Bradley Carnell’s side lead the Eastern Conference by four points, having collected 34 points from 17 matches, including a nine-game unbeaten run in the league and 11 in all competitions.
The Union edged past Toronto FC 2-1 last week thanks to goals from Nathan Harriel and Kai Wagner, before being held to a goalless draw away at FC Dallas despite their hosts playing with 10 men for over half the match. While that draw was underwhelming, the Union still look composed and balanced — especially at home.
With three wins and three draws in their last six games, they’re staying consistent at a critical point in the season, but absentees due to international duty may test their depth this weekend.
Charlotte Hunting a Top-Seven Spot
Dean Smith’s Charlotte FC arrive in Pennsylvania with hopes of breaking into the top seven. After suffering a three-game losing streak in May, they’ve started to find form again, beating Columbus Crew 3-2 and most recently dispatching Toronto FC 2-0 away from home.
The goals in that win came from Pep Biel and Patrick Agyemang, the latter now unavailable due to international duty. Despite that blow, the Crown have shown enough quality and adaptability to remain competitive, sitting just two points shy of the playoff spots.
Charlotte are an unpredictable outfit — eight wins and eight losses in 17 games — but if their dynamic front four clicks, they can trouble even the most structured defences.
Form Guide
Philadelphia are unbeaten in six matches across all competitions (three wins and three draws), while Charlotte have won two of their last three following a three-game skid, showcasing renewed attacking sharpness.
Team News
Philadelphia Union are without several key players due to international call-ups: Quinn Sullivan, Nathan Harriel, Andre Blake, and Danley Jean Jacques. Mikael Uhre and Ian Glavinovich remain injury doubts. Tai Baribo, the league’s current top scorer with 13 goals, is expected to lead the line once again, supported by Chris Donovan.
Jakob Glesnes should slot into defence to cover for Harriel, while Jovan Lukic is tipped to return to midfield alongside Jesus Bueno.
Charlotte will also be without key names. Patrick Agyemang and Tim Ream are away on international duty, while Nathan Byrne and Nimfasha Berchimas remain out injured. In Agyemang’s absence, Kerwin Vargas or Tyger Smalls will likely get the nod in attack.
Wilfried Zaha, Pep Biel, and Liel Abada are expected to continue in advanced midfield roles behind the striker, offering flair and pace. Ashley Westwood and Brandt Bronico remain the midfield anchors, with Adilson Malanda and Andrew Privett solidifying the backline.
Predicted Lineups
Philadelphia Union:
Rick; Westfield, Makhanya, Glesnes, Wagner; Bedoya, Bueno, Lukic, Bender; Donovan, Baribo
Charlotte FC:
Bingham; Marshall-Rutty, Malanda, Privett, Doumbia; Westwood, Bronico; Abada, Biel, Zaha; Vargas
Kickoff:
Saturday, June 15 | 23:30 WAT | Subaru Park
Prediction: Philadelphia Union 1-1 Charlotte FC
The Union may struggle to maintain their usual dominance with several key absentees, while Charlotte have shown improvement and attacking threat in recent outings. A draw seems likely, with both sides cancelling each other out in an evenly matched encounter.