Philadelphia Union emerged from the group stage, earning a spot in the Leagues Cup Round of 32, and on Friday, they’ll begin their knockout campaign at home against a familiar Eastern Conference opponent in CF Montreal. Don't miss the action free on Apple TV starting at 7:30PM!
The Boys in Blue have faced the Canadian side twice so far this season, picking up a draw and a loss. This time, however, they’ll have their entire team healthy and available, as Nate Harriel and Jack McGlynn have returned to the states after leading Team USA to the Olympic quarterfinals. The pair are the last to make their way back to the training pitch after a busy summer of international competitions including Copa America and UEFA Euros plus a slew of injuries across the roster.
Now the entire group is back together in Chester, and it's injected new energy and confidence into the squad.
“I think Jack and Nate had a great experience playing in the Olympics, but it's always great to have them back.They are young guys that have contributed greatly to our team this season, and now this is the first time really all year that we've pretty much had a whole, injury free, full-strength squad,” team captain Alejandro Bedoya said.
“I think that adds to the level of quality during training sessions, which will help us and when it comes down to game time, we're taking Leagues Cup very seriously, it's another way to get a berth into Champions Cup, and also help us get some momentum as we look to close out MLS season on the high.”
The last time Philadelphia Union took on the Canadian side, they lost on the road at Stade Saputo, relinquishing two leads for a 4-2 final score.
Homegrown Quinn Sullivan opened scoring in the 29th minute, but Montreál’s Josef Martinez found the equalizer shortly after in the 36th. A Philadelphia Union Venezuelan in Jesus Bueno reclaimed the lead for the Boys in Blue five minutes later, but an unanswered second half effort from the hosts forced Philadelphia home with no points in tow. Bryce Duke scored in the 56th minute, then Dominik Iankov and Ruan sealed the deal with a pair of daggers in the 89th and 90+2’ minutes.
The result was a disappointing one, but Daniel Gazdag said the scoreline isn’t reflectant of the talent his team has.
“We already played two times against Montreal this season. We didn't beat them, but I'm pretty sure we had a better team, and we are about to show that now on the field in this next game,” he said after training on Tuesday.
Gazdag and Bedoya agreed that Philadelphia Union can build something special when the team is together on the training pitch and in the locker room, and it’s already started to show on matchdays as they've claimed four straight results.
“Everyone got back to the team and now we can use the full squad, every player, which is important. Lately we're just playing our way – a high pressing, confident team. We scored some goals as well, which helps a lot, so I'm pretty sure we're going to finish the season this way,” Gazdag said.
Friday's match is FREE on Apple TV -- tune in to watch the team fight to make it to the Leagues Cup Round of 16 for a second straight year.
