2019 MLS Regular Season – Week 26
Philadelphia Union vs. Atlanta United
Talen Energy Stadium – Chester
August 31 – 7:30 PM ET
STREAMING: MLS LIVE on ESPN+ in US, on DAZN in Canada
It's a battle for the top spot in the Eastern Conference when the Philadelphia Union and Atlanta Untied, level on points, square off at Talen Energy Stadium Saturday night.
The Union (14-8-6) have won three of their last four, including a 3-1 victory over D.C. United at Talen Energy Stadium last Saturday. Kacper Przybylko scored the game's first goal and then set up strikes by Brenden Aaronson and Ilsinho to give the Union a commanding 3-0 lead before the 40th minute. Luciano Acosta pulled the visitors back a goal in the 56th minute, but it was largely cosmetic as Philadelphia remained in second place on a total wins tiebreaker.
Atlanta United (15-9-3) defeated Minnesota United FC, 2-1, to capture the U.S. Open Cup on Tuesday night, making it two championships won in the last 14 days and three in less than 10 months. Six minutes after an own goal by Chase Gasper, Pity Martinez gave the hosts a two-goal lead in the 16th minute. Robin Lod scored two minutes after the intermission to make things interesting, but the Five Stripes held on late.
This is the second time these clubs have met this season, as they split the points in a 1-1 draw at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on March 17. Brenden Aaronson opened the scoring for Philadelphia in the 47th minute, but Ezequiel Barco equalized in the 70th.
Philadelphia vs. Atlanta
Saturday, August 31 at 7:30 PM ET
Talen Energy Stadium
Philadelphia Union
- Injury Report:
- QUESTIONABLE: Warren Creavalle (M) - left hamstring strain
- QUESTIONABLE: Matt Freese (GK) - right ankle sprain
- Suspended: Alejandro Bedoya (M)
- Suspended after next caution: Haris Medunjanin (M)
- International duty: None
Atlanta United
- Injury Report:
- OUT: Brek Shea (D) - knee injury
- QUESTIONABLE: Ezequiel Barco (M) - muscle injury
- Suspended: None
- Suspended after next caution: Mo Adams (M), Leandro Gonzalez-Pirez (D)
- International duty: None
Series Matchup at Union
- Union: 0 wins, 2 goals
- Atlanta United: 1 wins, 4 goals
- 1 draws
Officials
- Referee: Robert Sibiga
- Assistant Referees: Matthew S. Nelson, Kevin Klinger
- 4th Official: Eric Tattersall
- VAR: Jorge Gonzalez
