The Philadelphia Union hosts Orlando City this Saturday, but the high-flying Eastern Conference squad does so without five crucial players, putting their incredible 11-game undefeated run to a massive test.
Philly’s Unbelievable Run Hits a Roster Wall
Philly has been on an absolute tear. They were dead last with one win before the 2026 World Cup break, but have since moved into the Audi 2026 MLS Cup Playoffs picture as a legitimate dark horse contender. Their last game was magic: a 4-3 comeback win at Sporting Kansas City from a three-goal deficit. Sixteen-year-old phenom Cavan Sullivan snagged a goal and an assist, and he, along with Neil Pierre and Frankie Westfield, earned a US men’s national team call-up. Milan Iloski has been a beast with a team-best 19 goal contributions (13 goals, 6 assists). Bruno Damiani is on a three-game scoring streak (5 goals, 1 assist). Quinn Sullivan has 1 goal and 5 assists in his last three. Kai Wagner, the Union’s all-time assists leader, rejoined in July as a key catalyst.
Orlando’s Surge Meets Griezmann’s Question Mark
Orlando City isn’t just showing up. They’ve had their own second-half transformation, going 6 wins, 3 losses, and 2 draws since the World Cup pause, coinciding with Antoine Griezmann’s arrival (8 goals, 3 assists). But here’s the kicker for Saturday: Griezmann’s status is uncertain after a midweek US Open Cup semifinal knock. Orlando’s five-game unbeaten streak in the league just got snapped with a 4-2 defeat at New England, despite goals from Iván Angulo and Martín Ojeda. Ojeda, the club’s all-time leader in goal contributions, has 2 goals and 1 assist in six games since returning from injury. Angulo has three of his four goals this season in September. Goalkeeper Maxime Crépeau started every game for Canada in the 2026 World Cup Round of 16, and captain Robin Jansson anchors the backline.
The Stakes Are Insane for Richter’s Shorthanded Crew
Here’s the real problem for the Union, and why this game is such a massive test. Interim head coach Ryan Richter has to keep this 11-game unbeaten streak alive without five key players! No Cavan Sullivan, Neil Pierre, or Frankie Westfield, as they’re with the USMNT. Plus, goalkeeper Andre Blake is with Jamaica, and midfielder Danley Jean Jacques is with Haiti. That’s a huge chunk of talent missing for what the source calls their “most difficult test yet.” Two resurgent teams, both climbing the Eastern Conference standings. The Union sits 6th with 36 points; Orlando is right behind them at 7th with 34 points. The stakes couldn’t be clearer.
This Saturday’s showdown at Subaru Park, kicking off at 4 pm PT, is going to be wild. Can the Union’s incredible momentum overcome losing almost half a lineup of key guys? Or will Orlando City capitalize on the chaos, especially if Griezmann somehow suits up? I’ll be glued to Apple TV to see if Philly can keep this magical run alive. This is what MLS is all about!
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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