Philadelphia Union looks to wrap up September on a winning streak as it continues it push up the Eastern Conference table with a midweek tilt against rival New York Red Bulls. Kick off from North New Jersey is set for 7:30 p.m. ET with fans able to catch the rivalry action on PHL17 and PhiladelphiaUnion.com.
The Boys in Blue have leaped up the Eastern Conference standings and sit in fourth place after taking all six points in victories over Orlando City SC and Atlanta United FC. Kacper Przybylko has gotten back to offensive form in the win, playing key roles in all four goals last week with three goals and an assist. Przybylko's ninth MLS goal of the season came in the 71st minute, sending home a play that saw Jose "El Brujo" Martinez make a strong run up the line for the assist.
Wednesday's contest will be the third regular season contest between the two rivals with the Union holding the upper hand in the gritty contests that have featured a red card in each. The Union took the opening match of the series back in May with Cory Burke getting the game-winning strike in the ninth minute. The goal was the definition of the Union's quick strike attack with a goal kick followed by just two passes before Subaru Park was celebrating. In the second contest, the Union fought back after Matt Freese was sent off in the second half with a Sergio Santos' header in the 85th minute to grab at 1-1 draw in Jersey.
Red Bulls currently sits seven points out of the MLS Cup Playoff line with an 8-11-6 record in 2021. September has seen the side come into form as well with just one loss but with wins over Inter Miami CF and New York City FC. The Red Bulls spent last week locked in their local derby with NYCFC, settling for a 1-1 draw at home before grabbing a 1-0 win at Yankee Stadium. Homegrown Omir Fernandez got the game winner for the visitors on Sunday night, scoring his second goal of the year in the 43rd minute.
New York Red Bulls have been powered by the dynamic duo of Patryk Klimala and Fabio who have combined for 12 goals and 12 assists this season. Klimala netted the game-tying penalty kick in the Red Bulls' home leg of the derby for his seventh goal of the season while Fabio netted a brace against Inter Miami CF earlier in the month.
