Subaru Park will be the stage for Saturday’s MLS clash between Philadelphia Union and FC Cincinnati, as both teams look to end the regular season on a high. Philadelphia Union are desperate to bounce back after back-to-back losses to Orlando City and Columbus Crew, and they face a must-win scenario if they are to secure their playoff hopes. Jack McGlynn could be pushing for a spot in the starting lineup after making a substitute appearance in the last match, while midfielder Isaiah LeFlore remains sidelined due to injury.
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FC Cincinnati, meanwhile, have already booked their place in the playoffs, but they come into this game on a three-game losing streak. With Philadelphia having more at stake, they are likely to be more aggressive in their approach, while Cincinnati may have an eye on staying fresh for the postseason. The visitors will be missing several key players, including Sergio Santos, Chidozie Awaziem, Matthew Miazga, Nick Hagglund, Isaiah Foster, and Alec Kann, which could impact their performance. The match is scheduled for October 19, 2024, at 23:00.
Philadelphia Union vs Cincinnati: Important H2H Stats
As Philadelphia Union prepare to host FC Cincinnati at Subaru Park, here are the key head-to-head (H2H) stats and insights ahead of this MLS matchup:
- Recent H2H Encounter: The last meeting between these two teams was on August 13, 2024, when Philadelphia Union secured a 4-2 victory away at Cincinnati. Philadelphia will be hoping to replicate that success at home in this crucial match.
- Current League Positions: Cincinnati are currently in 3rd position in the Eastern Conference and have already secured their playoff spot, while Philadelphia Union are fighting for a crucial win to improve their postseason chances.
- Key Players:
- Philadelphia Union: Kai Wagner has been a key creative force for Philadelphia, leading the team with 11 assists. His ability to deliver quality set-pieces and crosses will be essential for Philadelphia’s attack.
- Cincinnati: Luciano Acosta is the main attacking threat for Cincinnati, scoring 14 goals this season. Philadelphia’s defense will need to keep him under control to prevent any surprises.
- Disciplinary Concerns:
- Philadelphia Union: Jack Elliott has received 6 yellow cards this season, making him a player to watch if the match becomes physical. His discipline will be critical in maintaining a solid defense.
- Cincinnati: DeAndre Yedlin has accumulated 8 yellow cards, and his aggressive play could become a focal point, especially if the game is tight and tensions rise.
- Scoring and Conceding Patterns:
- Philadelphia Union: The Union are most dangerous between 45-60 minutes, scoring 19.7% of their goals during this period. They may look to build momentum going into the second half.
- Cincinnati: Cincinnati are most vulnerable around the 45-60 minute mark, conceding 26.8% of their goals during this time. Philadelphia may look to exploit this trend as they push for a crucial win.
- Possession and Corners:
- Possession Stats: Cincinnati have an edge in possession, averaging 53.70% compared to Philadelphia’s 47.27%, indicating that Cincinnati may try to control the tempo of the game.
- Corners: Both teams are relatively even when it comes to generating set-piece opportunities, with Philadelphia averaging 5.33 corners per match and Cincinnati 5.12.
- Both Teams to Score (BTTS) Stats: Both teams have seen BTTS in 69.7% of their matches this season, suggesting a high possibility that both sides will find the back of the net in this encounter.
These H2H stats reveal key trends and areas of focus for both teams. With Philadelphia’s strong second-half scoring ability and Cincinnati’s tendency to concede in that same period, this game could hinge on who controls the momentum coming out of the halftime break.
Philadelphia Union Vs Cincinnati Season Stats
| Performance Summary | Philadelphia Union | Cincinnati |
|---|---|---|
| Total Wins | 9 | 17 |
| Home Wins | 4 | 7 |
| Away Wins | 5 | 10 |
| Total Draws | 10 | 5 |
| Home Draws | 5 | 3 |
| Away Draws | 5 | 2 |
| Total Lost | 14 | 11 |
| Home Losses | 7 | 7 |
| Away Losses | 7 | 4 |
| Total Goals For | 61 | 56 |
| Home Goals For | 26 | 26 |
| Away Goals For | 35 | 30 |
| Total Goals Against | 53 | 47 |
| Home Goals Against | 21 | 22 |
| Away Goals Against | 32 | 25 |
| Total Clean Sheet | 8 | 7 |
| Home Clean Sheet | 5 | 5 |
| Away Clean Sheet | 3 | 2 |
| Total Failed To Score | 5 | 6 |
| Home Failed To Score | 4 | 5 |
| Away Failed To Score | 1 | 1 |
| Total Av Goals Scored | 1.85 | 1.7 |
| Home Av Goals Scored | 1.63 | 1.53 |
| Away Av Goals Scored | 2.06 | 1.88 |
| Total Av Goals Conceded | 1.61 | 1.42 |
| Home Av Goals Conceded | 1.31 | 1.29 |
| Away Av Goals Conceded | 1.88 | 1.56 |
| Total 1st Goal Scored | 36m | 42m |
| Home 1st Goal Scored | 34m | 36m |
| Away 1st Goal Scored | 38m | 48m |
| Total 1st Goal Conceded | 39m | 39m |
| Home 1st Goal Conceded | 40m | 39m |
| Away 1st Goal Conceded | 36m | 38m |
| Goals Scoring Minutes | Philadelphia Union | Cincinnati |
|---|---|---|
| 0-15 | 9 (14.8%) | 6 (10.7%) |
| 15-30 | 7 (11.5%) | 2 (3.6%) |
| 30-45 | 11 (18%) | 11 (19.6%) |
| 45-60 | 12 (19.7%) | 15 (26.8%) |
| 60-75 | 10 (16.4%) | 12 (21.4%) |
| 75-90 | 12 (19.7%) | 10 (17.9%) |
| Goals Conceded Minutes | Philadelphia Union | Cincinnati |
|---|---|---|
| 0-15 | 6 (11.3%) | 5 (10.6%) |
| 15-30 | 6 (11.3%) | 11 (23.4%) |
| 30-45 | 10 (18.9%) | 5 (10.6%) |
| 45-60 | 11 (20.8%) | 9 (19.1%) |
| 60-75 | 7 (13.2%) | 13 (27.7%) |
| 75-90 | 13 (24.5%) | 4 (8.5%) |
| Combined Match Stats | Philadelphia Union | Cincinnati |
|---|---|---|
| Attacks | 2964 | 3266 |
| Dangerous Attacks | 1520 | 1602 |
| Av Possession Percent | 47.27 | 53.70 |
| Fouls | 349 | 429 |
| Av Fouls Per Game | 10.58 | 13.00 |
| Offside | 68 | 80 |
| Red Cards | 1 | 4 |
| Yellow Cards | 61 | 77 |
| Shots Blocked | 121 | 110 |
| Shots Off Target | 196 | 172 |
| Av Shots Off Target | 5.94 | 5.21 |
| Shots On Target | 170 | 165 |
| Av Shots On Target | 5.15 | 5.00 |
| Total Corners | 176 | 169 |
| Av Corners | 5.33 | 5.12 |
| BTTS | 69.7 | 69.7 |
| Av Player Rating Per Match | 6.91 | 6.8 |
| Tackles | 591 | 558 |
| Total Match Goals Percentages | Philadelphia Union | Cincinnati | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home | Away | Home | Away | |
| Over 0.5 | 87.5 | 94.12 | 82.35 | 100 |
| Over 1.5 | 81.25 | 94.12 | 64.71 | 87.5 |
| Over 2.5 | 62.5 | 82.35 | 58.82 | 75 |
| Over 3.5 | 37.5 | 58.82 | 35.29 | 37.5 |
| Over 4.5 | 18.75 | 29.41 | 17.65 | 25 |
| Over 5.5 | 6.25 | 23.53 | 11.76 | 12.5 |
| Under 0.5 | 12.5 | 5.88 | 17.65 | 0 |
| Under 1.5 | 18.75 | 5.88 | 35.29 | 12.5 |
| Under 2.5 | 37.5 | 17.65 | 41.18 | 25 |
| Under 3.5 | 62.5 | 41.18 | 64.71 | 62.5 |
| Under 4.5 | 81.25 | 70.59 | 82.35 | 75 |
| Under 5.5 | 93.75 | 76.47 | 88.24 | 87.5 |
Philadelphia Union vs Cincinnati Prediction
Based on current form and key stats, Philadelphia Union enter this match with a slight edge, primarily because of their urgent need for a win to secure a favorable position heading into the playoffs. Despite back-to-back losses, the Union’s motivation to end the regular season on a high, coupled with their strong home support, could make them difficult to beat. Kai Wagner’s playmaking ability, with 11 assists this season, will be vital in creating scoring opportunities for Philadelphia.
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FC Cincinnati, while already assured of a playoff spot, have struggled lately with a three-game losing streak. With several key players sidelined, including Sergio Santos and Matthew Miazga, Cincinnati’s lineup may lack the depth to compete against a determined Philadelphia side. Luciano Acosta’s attacking presence (14 goals) remains a threat, but Cincinnati’s recent defensive lapses, especially between 45-60 minutes (where they concede 26.8% of their goals), could be problematic against a team like Philadelphia, who thrive during that period.
Both teams have shown a strong BTTS tendency (69.7% for each), indicating that both sides are likely to find the net. However, given the stakes and Cincinnati’s recent dip in form, Philadelphia Union should have the edge.
Predicted Scoreline: Philadelphia Union 2-1 FC Cincinnati
Expect a competitive match with both teams scoring, but Philadelphia’s greater motivation to secure a win, combined with home advantage, should see them come out on top. The Union’s second-half scoring strength could be the key to breaking down a vulnerable Cincinnati defense.