Philadelphia Union hits the road for the first time in league play as they take on Sporting Kansas City on Saturday evening. Everyone can watch the Boys in Blue with the game free on the Apple TV app starting at 8:30PM ET.
While Saturday’s match marks the first road match of a young MLS season, it will be match No. 4 on the Union as they continue to alternate between Concacaf Champions Cup and league play. The Boys in Blue advanced to the Round of 16 after grueling series against Costa Rican side Deportivo Saprissa that went to extra time before the Union prevailed, 6-5 on aggregate. With 120 minutes on the field in a physical affair, expect Philly to make some adjustments especially with CCC’s next round kicking off next Tuesday at Subaru Park. Tickets for the Union's match against C.F. Pachuca can be purchased by clicking here.
One lineup pairing that is expected to be on the pitch at Sporting Kansas City is Jack Elliott and Damion Lowe with both suspended for Tuesday’s match. Depth has been a key talking point all offseason and Saturday night will be the first time in 2024 it will be called upon surely. Jesus Bueno and Markus Anderson started on Tuesday night and could be in line to get more minutes this weekend as the Union look to grind out a result against the Western Conference opposition looking to set the tone in their home opener.
Philadelphia and Sporting KC have squared off 18 times over the past 15 seasons with the series knotted up at six wins apiece and six draws. It was a scoreless contest between the two when they last faced off in 2023 with the April Fools contest.
Peter Vermes’ side opened its 2024 league campaign with a 1-1 draw at Houston Dynamo last weekend. DP Midfielder Erik Thommy opened his season with SKC’s first goal of the year however Houston equalized eight minutes later that resulted in the two sides splitting the points. Playing away from home, Sporting Kansas City was quite defensive with only 38.5% of possession and only two shots on goal. Veteran keeper Tim Melia remains with the side and made four big saves in the opener and will present a difficult challenge for the Union attack that started the season on fire with eight goals scored in three competitive matches.
Saturday's match will be one you won't want to miss as Philadelphia Union battle Sporting Kansas City. Everyone can watch the match this weekend with the contest free on Apple TV meaning all you need is a free Apple ID to cheer on the Boys in Blue on any device.
