Philadelphia Union vs. Toronto FC | 2020 MLS Match Preview

Dylan Butler

2020 MLS Regular Season – Week 20
Philadelphia Union vs. Toronto FC
Subaru Park – Chester
October 24 – 7:30 PM ET

TV: TSN 1/4

STREAMING: MLS LIVE on ESPN+ in US

It's a battle for first overall in the league when the Philadelphia Union host Toronto FC Saturday night at Subaru Park.

The Union (11W-3L-5D) are three points behind first-place Toronto FC (12W-2L-5D) heading into this anticipated showdown after defeating the New England Revolution 2-1 Monday at Gillette Stadium. TFC are unbeaten in their last nine following a last-minute win over Atlanta United Sunday.

In the only other meeting between the sides this year, Sergio Santos staked the Union a lead after five minutes, but Ayo Akinola leveled early in the second half and Alejandro Pozuelo struck for the winner in the 76th minute at Rentschler Field Oct. 3.

Philadelphia Union

The Union were hoping to be in a first-place clash, but to do so they needed to beat the Revs, which proved to be a tricky predicament. After an Andrew Farrell own goal, Anthony Fontana's audacious chip gave the Union a two-goal lead in the 69th minute. But Tajon Buchanan pulled his team back a goal in the 81st minute and appeared to level soon thereafter, but the goal was called back for offside and Philadelphia held off the late surge to come away with all three points.

"Our players bent but didn’t break," Jim Curtin said after the match. "There were some close calls there for sure, but this is what games that have a playoff feel to them look like and feel like — they’re not going to be easy.

"Some will probably say we got a little lucky tonight, but I’m a big believer that you create your own luck through the course of the season, and that we’re in a good spot because we’re a good team."

With his quarantine completed, Jose "El Brujo" Martinez will be back patrolling the midfield for the Union. Although Curtin added Warren Creavalle will likely not be available and fullback Matt Real also picked up an injury.

Updated team roster
Injury Report:
- OUT: Warren Creavalle (M) - undisclosed injury
- OUT: Matt Real (D) - hamstring injury
Suspended: None
Suspended after next caution: Jamiro Monteiro (M)
International duty: None

Toronto FC

Michael Bradley made his triumphant return to the lineup after missing the last nine matches with a knee injury and Toronto FC extended an unbeaten run to nine games with a 1-0 victory over Atlanta Untied in East Hartford Sunday night. Pablo Piatti scored the winner off a Richie Laryea cross one minute from full time.

"I have a ton of confidence in this group," Greg Vanney said after the match. "They're having fun. They believe in themselves. They believe in each other. They're putting in the work, which is first and foremost the most important thing, but the mentality of the group is strong.

"Once the culture like that is inside of the group, it takes a lot to disrupt it, but it's strong inside of our group."

Vanney noted on Friday forward Ayo Akinola is "questionable" and could soon return. Also, left back Justin Morrow is available for selection and center back Chris Mavinga is a bit further off.

Updated team roster
Injury Report:
- OUT: Achara (M) - ACL injury
- OUT: Jonathan Osorio (M) - undisclosed injury
- OUT: Jozy Altidore (F) - hamstring strain
- OUT: Alex Bono (GK) - dislocated finger
- OUT: Chris Mavinga (D) - undisclosed injury
- QUESTIONABLE: Ayo Akinola (F) - undisclosed injury
- QUESTIONABLE: Eriq Zavaleta (D) - undisclosed injury
Suspended: None
Suspended after next caution: Auro Jr. (D), Pablo Piatti (M)
International duty: None