The resurgent Philadelphia Union can take another step toward sealing a playoff place when they host an Atlanta United side trying to prolong its own postseason hopes Saturday in Chester, Pa.
Philadelphia (9-12-9, 36 points) has won five of its last seven to climb above the playoff line into ninth place in the Western Conference, tied with eighth-place Toronto on points but behind on the first tiebreaker of total wins.
After a comfortable 4-0 home win against D.C. last weekend, the Union could create some separation between themselves and the chasing teams with another victory over 11th-place Atlanta (8-13-9, 33 points).
“It means nothing if we don’t follow it up with another good performance against a strong Atlanta team that will come in tomorrow, like us, in need of three points,” Philadelphia coach Jim Curtin said. “So we have to be disciplined, organized, take away their key players and do a good job in our transitions and try to score some more goals.”
The Union have scored 20 times during their seven-match run to climb back into realistic contention to extend their streak to seven consecutive playoff appearances.
After playing his way into the starting lineup earlier this summer, Tai Baribo has been a major reason why, scoring six goals in those seven matches and also finding the net a tournament-best seven times in the 2024 Leagues Cup.
Atlanta’s summer signing Alexey Miranchuk scored from the penalty spot for his second MLS goal in last weekend’s 2-2 draw at the New York Red Bulls.
Edwin Mosquera’s goal in stoppage time appeared to win it for the visitors, but Atlanta United then conceded an equalizer from Elias Manoel.
At this point, Atlanta needs to build on its total of three away wins to have a realistic postseason hope.
“If you want to get into the playoffs, you have to beat teams like this,” defender Derrick Williams said. “You have to get results there. That’s something we’re all up for, we’re ready for the challenge. And yeah, I’m looking forward to going there and trying to keep a clean sheet.”
–Field Level Media
