A 2022 MLS Cup re-match is set to take place as LAFC and the Philadelphia Union go head to head in the CONCACAF Champions League semi-finals.
The Philadelphia Union are running high on confidence after their massive 4-2 thumping of Toronto FC. They will head into this highly anticipated match-up against LAFC in good form and the willingness to put it all on the field.
Likewise, LAFC has been playing well, crushing their MLS opponents. Though their latest 1-1 league draw against Nashville SC left much to be desired on the field, the Black and Gold will go into the CCL game looking to play better than they did over the weekend and get all three points.
When is kick off? Wednesday, April 26th, 2023, 9:10PM EST
Where is the match being played? Subaru Park, Chester, Pennsylvania, United States
TV channel/live stream? Fox Sports 1
What time does TV coverage start? 9:00PM EST
Referee? Cesar Arturo Ramos Palazuelos
LAFC is coming off a 1-1 draw against Nashville that saw them outshoot their opponent 19-8.
The Black and Gold will make sure they’re clinical in front of the net this time around against a stingy Union defense that includes 2022 MLS defender of the year Jakob Glesnes and his well-regarded center-back partner Jack Elliot.
Though they start the semi-final tie away from home, LAFC will look to get on the front foot first and get an away goal which will help them when the 2nd leg comes around at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles, California.
LAFC will be without several players starting with center-back Tony Leone, who is out with a leg injury, goalkeepers Maxime Creapeau and Eldin Jakupovic, who are also suffering from leg injuries, and midfielder Timothy Tillman who picked up a slight knock in early April.
The Union will be in high spirits coming off their 4-2 win over Toronto FC. ]
Jim Curtin’s men looked like their 2022 selves with that performance, and it’s only natural to believe that they will want to continue that form heading into this CCL match.
Center forward and Denmark international Mikael Uhre will be the focal point in this game. The 28-year-old scored a hattrick over the weekend and will be the most dangerous player on the attacking front line for the Union.
Alongside midfielder Daniel Gazdag, and striker Julian Caranaza, Philadelphia has a threatening attack that will cause LAFC’s backline trouble.
Unfortunately, the Union will be without right-back Olivier Mbaizo who is out with a hamstring strain.
Though LAFC is coming off a subpar result (for their standards) against Nashville, they’ll look to get the taste out of their mouth with a win.
The Union has looked better as of late – however, LAFC’s attack has too many offensive weapons up top for Philadelphia to handle.
Even though they’ll be away from home, the Black and Gold will look to grab all three points in their typical ruthless manner. Philadelphia will make it competitive, but LAFC is in great form, and they will want to get the semi-final tie off to a good start.
Prediction: LAFC 3-2 Philadelphia Union
Credit: 90min.com
