For the first time in club history, Philadelphia Union is headed to MLS Cup as they will face off against LAFC on Saturday, November 5th. Kick off from Banc of California Stadium is set for 4 p.m. ET with the match broadcast on FOX and Univision.
The Boys in Blue captured the Eastern Conference crown in front of a sold out Subaru Park on Sunday night, rallying back from a second-half deficit powered behind quick goals from Julian Carranza and Daniel Gazdag in the 65th and 67th minutes to defeat New York City FC. Substitute Cory Burke sent the Union faithful into a frenzy with his monstrous run through the heart of the NYC defense to add a third goal and send the Union to their first MLS Cup appearance.
LAFC too makes its first appearance in the MLS Cup after knocking off No. 2 seed Austin FC on Sunday afternoon, 3-0. The 2022 Supporters' Shield winners opened the scoring in the 29th minute with a set piece goal from Cristian Arango to jump start the offense. LAFC doubled its advantage in the second half via a Maximiliano Urruti own goal in the 62nd minute before Kwadwo Opoku capped things off with a third for the final result.
With both top seeds Philadelphia Union and LAFC reaching the final, this is the first time since 2003 that both No. 1 seeds will play against each other in MLS Cup.
The two teams did square off earlier in 2022, with a late night thriller in early May that lived up to the heavyweight billing. Returning to the California where the two sides played to a hectic 3-3 draw in 2020, it was end to end action from the opening whistle. Knowing they’d need to capitalize on any scoring chance that presented itself, the Boys in Blue converted in counter attacking fashion. Julian Carranza split the LAFC defense with a timely move inside the center circle and was off to the races and sent a threaded pass to Kai Wagner on the flank to lead the charge. The left back delivered a curling cross that skipped through the defense and led to a calm finish by Daniel Gazdag to make it 1-0 just nine minutes after the opening whistle.
LAFC responded in the second half as Cristian Arango won a clearance and drove into the attacking third. Seeing the transition moment, he fed a pass to José Cifuentes who quickly flicked a pass to Kwadwo Opoku for the one-time finish.
Just like the city they represent, the Union didn’t put their heads down and try to settle for just a lone point on the road. They fought back in the city of stars with Carranza giving the fans one of the most spectacular finishes in 2022 from the Boys in Blue. Daniel Gazdag collected a chested down pass and dribbled centrally to create space. The Hungarian saw Carranza backing down his man like a NBA forward and quickly fed the forward the ball. With a defender draped on his hip, Carranza sent a left-footed flick that bent around the keeper and the post for the Union to make it 2-1.
The home side swung back in the heavyweight prize fight with their abundance of corner kicks finally netting a goal in the 83rd minute. The Union succeeded in getting the first touch but saw it fall to Franco Escobar at the far post. Blake made a strong reaction save but saw it fall right back to the LAFC defender who quickly fired it back at goal for the equalizer.
While we all wish the game was here at Subaru Park, you will be pleased to know that we have worked with our partners at Philly Sports Trips to set up details for any fans looking to travel to Los Angeles for the game. For all of the trip information please click here but please be aware you will be responsible for booking your own travel.
MLS Cup Ticket Information
Philadelphia Union is headed to Los Angeles to take on LAFC in MLS Cup 2022 on Saturday, November 5th! Learn more about ticket information by clicking the link below.
