Philadelphia Union return to action this weekend when they host Eastern Conference rival New York Red Bulls at Talen Energy Stadium in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Round of 16. As we prepare for Saturday’s 7 p.m. kick-off, we give you three reasons to watch this Open Cup match.
Starting off Strong
Philadelphia Union flexed their muscles on their way to the Round of 16 in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup. The Union squared off against Richmond Kickers in the Fourth Round of Open Cup play and cruised to a 5-0 victory at Talen Energy Stadium. For the Union, their 5-0 win set a franchise record for largest margin of victory in an Open Cup match. Philadelphia saw five different players record a goal, including Homegrown midfielder Anthony Fontana. The Union’s 5-0 victory was tied for the largest margin of victory of any Fourth Round match in 2018, Houston Dynamo also earned a 5-0 victory as they defeated NTX Rayados. Philadelphia will look to continue their strong form in Open Cup play against Red Bull on Saturday night in Chester.
Ballin’ on the Banks
The Union have had extraordinary success when playing U.S. Open Cup matches on the banks of the Delaware River. Philadelphia owns an all-time record of 13-3 at Talen Energy Stadium when playing in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup. Much of that success has come with Head Coach Jim Curtin at the helm, under Coach Curtin, the Union 10-2 at Talen Energy Stadium in Open Cup competition. The last time Philadelphia lost an Open Cup match in regulation was July 11, 2012. As the Union play host to their Eastern Conference rival, they’ll aim to keep the crowd happy with their home reputation.
Best Two out of Three
Saturday’s Round of 16 Open Cup match will serve as the rubber match between Philadelphia Union and New York Red Bulls. The all-time record between these two clubs in Open Cup matches is all squared a two. Of the four matches, two have ended in penalty kicks, while the other two contests that finished in regulation saw the winning side leave with a one-goal victory. The last time New York played an Open Cup match in Talen Energy Stadium, Philadelphia advanced on a come-from-behind 2-1 thanks to a Chris Pontius brace.
