Playoffs Spherical 1, Recreation 2 Match Preview: Chicago Hearth vs Philadelphia Union – The Philly Soccer Web page

Photograph courtesy of Ron Soliman
Who: Philadelphia Union (#1 seed) vs. Charlotte FC (4th place, 56 factors, 18-2-3)
What: 2025 MLS Cup Playoffs, Spherical 1 Recreation 2
The place: SeatGeek Stadium
When: Saturday, November 1st, 5:30 PM
Watch: MLS on Apple TV, Radio: 97.5 FM
Whistle: REF: Jon Freemon, AR1: Corey Rockwell, AR2: Adam Garner, 4TH: Chris Penso, VAR: Fotis Bazakos, AVAR: TJ Zablocki
Ding, ding. It’s time for Recreation 2. The Philadelphia Union will fly out to Chicago for the second sport of their Spherical 1 collection with the Hearth. Within the first match, the Union gave up a 2 purpose lead, however have been capable of come again in a dramatic penalty shootout to safe the victory. Will the Boys in Blue get one other win to advance to the Convention Semi-Finals? Or will the Hearth have the ability to power Recreation 3? 
On the Soob final Sunday, Gregg Berhalter began with a defensive lineup designed to take in the Union’s stress. Homegrown participant Brian Gutiérrez was left on the bench however MLS-All Star, and Chicago’s main purpose contributor, Philip Zinckernagel was unable to play resulting from an harm suffered within the warm-up. Though this tactical set-up pissed off Philadelphia’s assault for in regards to the first hour, it additionally left the Hearth with only a few possibilities of their very own. As soon as the Union adjusted, making some key substitutions, Philly opened the sport up. 
Since they want a win, it’s logical to imagine Berhalter switches to the 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1 that he utilized with the US Nationwide Group. The Hearth have performed a few of their greatest soccer this 12 months with that set-up, however they misplaced 4-0 in Philly once they employed it through the common season. 
Anticipate Zinckernagel to return to the beginning eleven, as he has reportedly returned to coaching. Between him, group high scorer Hugo Cuypers, and budding star Gutiérrez, Chicago’s assault may be fairly formidable. 
However, all will not be properly on the harm entrance for the Males in Purple. Goalkeeper Chris Brady, whose time-wasting and theatrics through the penalty shootout drew criticism from Union followers, is listed as questionable. Ought to the younger keeper be unavailable, it will be an enormous blow to their possibilities. 
 
There are not any straightforward video games within the playoffs. Final week ought to have re-enforced that lesson for Philadelphia. Regardless of getting by way of a troublesome opening hour that noticed Chicago extra serious about time losing than truly taking part in soccer, the Union seemed set to earn a stable win in regulation. The introduction of Frankie Westfield and Mikael Uhre bounce began the Boys in Blues’ assault, with Indiana Vassilev and Milan Iloksi making good on their possibilities. However then, issues took a dramatic flip. 
The Hearth made a late comeback with former Philly favourite Jack Elliot taking part in a task in each of the Hearth’s purpose. His beautiful strike in stoppage time tied issues up and compelled the sport right into a shootout. Whereas the Union have been finally capable of prevail in dramatic style, will probably be a mistake they want to keep away from repeating in Recreation 2. It’s doubtless Chicago will go for a extra offensive minded strategy this time. However extra open attacking play might be simply what the physician ordered for Philly. The Union thrive on the counter. Carnell may select to begin each Uhre and Westfield to supply a higher risk in these conditions. Specifically, Andrew Gutman pushes very excessive from his left again spot. Each Union objectives got here from counter down that aspect final match and there’ll doubtless be area ripe for the taking once more.
Though it might appear counter intuitive, Chicago was truly weaker at house this season, solely getting 6 of their 15 wins in Illinois. The Union picked up a 1-0 win final time they made the trek to the Windy Metropolis, dousing the Hearth by way of a 1-0 scoreline. Philly was fairly good on the street this season, grabbing 8 wins because the away group. For all you stat nerds on the market although, at present’s sport takes place at SeatGeek Stadium versus Soldier Subject, Chicago’s traditional house discipline over the previous years. The final time each groups met there it was through the 2019 season, and Chicago got here away with the 2-0 win. For sure, a lot has modified for each franchises since that match.
Union Middle Backs vs. Chicago Forwards
With Zinckernagel doubtless again in motion, and the Hearth needing to win, Jakob Glesnes and Olwethu Makhanya will should be at their greatest to maintain Chicago’s assault off the board. The Union can’t afford one other late collapse like in Recreation 1.
Participant to observe: Mikael Uhre
The Danish Designated Participant was unable to begin resulting from a knee challenge final week however nonetheless modified the sport off the bench. His skill to stretch the sector and create possibilities for his group is a key facet of the Union’s assault and it’s most likely that Bradley Carnell will begin Uhre, as he appeared to win his beginning position again down the stretch of the common season.
Gregg Berhalter can have the Hearth lined up extra aggressively to begin this contest. However it will truly play into the Union’s urgent and counter techniques, and Philly ought to have extra life within the assault. Chicago nonetheless rating, nevertheless it’s not sufficient to get a end result.
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