Philadelphia Union vs. New York Red Bulls | 2020 MLS Match Preview

Dylan Butler

2020 MLS Regular Season – Week 7
Philadelphia Union vs. New York Red Bulls
Subaru Park – Chester
August 25 – 7:30 PM ET

STREAMING: MLS LIVE on ESPN+ in US; MLS LIVE on DAZN in Canada

LOCAL TV: MSG, PHL17

The rivalry went to another level in October with the first-ever Audi MLS Cup Playoffs meeting. And after the Philadelphia Union rallied for their first-ever postseason victory, the New York Red Bulls return to Subaru Park Tuesday seeking revenge and three big points in the Eastern Conference.

Both teams enter their first meeting this season coming off positive results, with the Red Bulls claiming an emotional, albeit controversial, derby victory over NYCFC, while the Union secured a road point in a 0-0 draw at the New England Revolution.

As for that playoff meeting, it was epic comeback for Philadelphia as Marco Fabian scored in extratime as the Union rallied from a pair of two-goal deficits to beat the Red Bulls, 4-3, in Round One of the Audi 2019 MLS Cup Playoffs.

Philadelphia Union

After a run to the MLS is Back semifinals, the Union returned to league play Thursday, playing the New England Revolution to a 0-0 draw. Jim Curtin made one change from his preferred XI with Matt Real replacing the injured Kai Wagner at left back.

A team that was forever swimming upstream for rest in the league, the Union now face the challenge of being a favorite in most of the matches they play. That will be the case Tuesday and while he'll take the road point in difficult conditions any day of the week, Curtin knows a better performance is needed against their rivals.

"We know we need be sharper and we will be next week, finally getting a home game at Subaru Park against Red Bull," Curtin said after the game.

Updated team roster
Injury Report:
- QUESTIONABLE: Kai Wagner (D) - lower leg contusion
- QUESTIONABLE: Aurelien Collin (D) - leg pain
Suspended: None
Suspended after next caution:None
International duty: None

New York Red Bulls

Despite the debate around Kyle Duncan's goal awarded after Video Review, there's no denying the Red Bulls earned all three points against rival NYCFC at Red Bull Arena Thursday night. After absorbing a few early counter punches, the Red Bulls dominated after halftime. It was an important statement made after disappointing results at the MLS is Back Tournament.

Chris Armas also went with an intriguing tactical change, going back to a 4-2-3-1 after a 4-2-2-2 for much of the season. In that, winger Danny Royer played as the lone striker, veteran Ryan Meara earned the start in goal and Jared Stroud picked up his first start in place of Kaku.

“We started Jared Stroud thinking the beginning of this game would be a lot of counter-pressing and second balls, high energy and I think we were right about that,” Armas said after the match. “We got outfouled I think 17-4 on the night, it was a very combative game. The plan was to use Kaku all along off the bench. When the game opens up a little bit and we can hurt the opposition, he comes in and creates a few really good looks.”

“We have guys we believe in and different games are going to call for different guys,” Armas added. "We got that right tonight.”