Philadelphia Union vs. New York Red Bulls: Match Preview, Predictions, Where to Watch, and Key Insights for the 2025 MLS Showdown

Philadelphia Union vs. New York Red Bulls: Match Preview, Predictions, Where to Watch, and Key Insights for the 2025 MLS Showdown

The Philadelphia Union and New York Red Bulls are set to ignite Subaru Park in Chester, Pennsylvania, with a thrilling Major League Soccer (MLS) clash on July 12, 2025. This highly anticipated Eastern Conference matchup promises to deliver intense action, as both teams vie for crucial points in their quest for playoff positioning and Supporters’ Shield contention. With a storied rivalry, a passionate fanbase, and star players like Tai Baribo and Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting leading the charge, this game is a must-watch for soccer enthusiasts. In this comprehensive blog post, we dive into detailed predictions, key player battles, historical context, where to watch the match, and essential SEO keywords to ensure you’re fully prepared for this MLS spectacle.

A Rivalry Steeped in History

The Philadelphia Union and New York Red Bulls have cultivated one of the fiercest rivalries in Major League Soccer since the Union’s inception in 2010. Over the years, these two Eastern Conference powerhouses have clashed in numerous high-stakes encounters, with Philadelphia holding a slight edge in recent meetings. According to historical data, the Union have won 19 of their 48 all-time matchups against the Red Bulls, with 15 draws and 14 victories for New York. The goal differential favors Philadelphia at 64-57, showcasing their attacking prowess in this fixture.

Recent head-to-head encounters have tilted heavily in Philadelphia’s favor. The Union are unbeaten in their last 13 matches against the Red Bulls across all competitions, with their most recent victory being a 2-0 triumph at Red Bull Arena on August 31, 2024. This dominant run includes nine consecutive home games without a loss to New York, with the Red Bulls’ last away win at Subaru Park dating back to 2018. The historical context sets the stage for a fiercely contested battle, as Philadelphia aims to maintain their supremacy while New York seeks to reverse their fortunes.

Match Preview: Philadelphia Union vs. New York Red Bulls

Date and Time: Saturday, July 12, 2025, at 7:30 p.m. ET
Venue: Subaru Park, Chester, Pennsylvania
Competition: Major League Soccer (MLS) 2025, Round 22

The Philadelphia Union enter this match in strong form, sitting third in the MLS Eastern Conference with 40 points from 12 wins, five draws, and four losses. Under the guidance of manager Bradley Carnell, the Union have been a force at home, boasting an unbeaten streak of eight league games at Subaru Park. Their only home loss this season came against Nashville SC in March, and they’ve since transformed their stadium into a fortress, scoring at least two goals in each of their last six home fixtures. However, back-to-back road losses to Columbus Crew and Nashville SC have dented their Supporters’ Shield aspirations, making this home clash a critical opportunity to regain momentum.

The New York Red Bulls, currently eighth in the Eastern Conference with 30 points, have struggled to find consistency in 2025. With eight wins, nine draws, and four losses in 21 league games, the Red Bulls have been plagued by a poor away record, securing just one victory in 11 road matches this season. Their recent form includes three consecutive draws, highlighting their resilience but also their inability to convert opportunities into wins. Manager Sandro Schwarz will look to leverage the team’s counter-attacking style to exploit any defensive lapses from the Union, but their historical struggles against Philadelphia pose a significant challenge.

Key Players to Watch

Philadelphia Union
– Tai Baribo: The 27-year-old Israeli forward has been a revelation for the Union, leading the team with 13 goals and one assist in 17 MLS appearances this season. Baribo’s physical presence, hold-up play, and clinical finishing make him a constant threat in the final third. After returning from a calf injury, he’s expected to start and could be the difference-maker against New York’s defense.
– Daniel Gazdag: The Hungarian midfielder is another key figure, contributing 14 goals in the 2024 season. His ability to find pockets of space and deliver precise passes will be crucial in breaking down the Red Bulls’ compact setup.
– Andre Blake: The Union’s goalkeeper and captain is one of the best shot-stoppers in MLS. His recent performances, including two saves against Nashville, underline his importance in maintaining a solid defensive line.

New York Red Bulls
– Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting: The 36-year-old Cameroonian forward has been a vital cog for the Red Bulls, scoring 11 goals and providing two assists in 20 MLS games. His experience and goal-scoring instincts will test Philadelphia’s backline, particularly in transition moments.
– Mohammed Sofo: The 20-year-old Ghanaian forward has emerged as a breakout star, netting three goals in just two US Open Cup matches this season. His pace and directness could exploit gaps in the Union’s defense.
– Emil Forsberg: Despite injury concerns, the Swedish playmaker remains a creative hub for New York. His vision and set-piece delivery could unlock Philadelphia’s disciplined defense if he’s fit to start.

Tactical Breakdown and Predictions

The Philadelphia Union are likely to deploy a 4-4-2 formation, emphasizing possession-based soccer and quick transitions. Their home games average 54% possession, and they generate seven corners per match, indicating their ability to dominate territorially. Manager Bradley Carnell will rely on Baribo’s hold-up play to involve midfielders like Gazdag and Quinn Sullivan, while wingers Kristijan Vassilev and Leon Lukic stretch the opposition’s defense. Defensively, the Union have been stingy, conceding just 0.8 goals per game at home, thanks to the partnership of Jakob Glesnes and Damion Lowe.

The New York Red Bulls, typically lined up in a 4-2-3-1, favor a counter-attacking approach. Their low goal output on the road (1.1 goals per game) reflects their struggles to break down organized defenses, but players like Sofo and Forsberg can punish teams in transition. However, their defensive frailties—conceding 1.4 goals per game away—could be exposed by Philadelphia’s relentless attacking unit. The Red Bulls’ disciplinary issues, with three red cards in their last five MLS meetings against the Union, may also play a factor.

Prediction: Given Philadelphia’s formidable home record and historical dominance over New York, the Union are favorites to win. The Red Bulls’ struggles on the road and inability to secure a victory against Philadelphia since 2019 further tilt the scales. Expect a tightly contested match with Philadelphia’s attacking firepower proving decisive.
Predicted Scoreline: Philadelphia Union 2-1 New York Red Bulls
Betting Tips:
– Philadelphia Union to Win: Odds at 1.85 reflect their strong home form and head-to-head advantage.
– Under 3.5 Goals: Eight of the last nine meetings between these teams have seen fewer than 2.5 goals, making this a solid bet at 1.35 odds.
– Tai Baribo to Score Anytime: With 13 goals this season, Baribo is a prime candidate to find the net at +150 odds.
– Total Corners Over 10.5: Philadelphia’s seven corners per game combined with New York’s four suggest a high corner count.

Where to Watch Philadelphia Union vs. New York Red Bulls

Fans eager to catch this MLS showdown have several options to watch live:
– Streaming: The match will be available on Apple TV with an MLS Season Pass subscription, offering high-quality coverage of every MLS game.
– Television: Select MLS matches may be broadcast on regional networks such as Fox Soccer, ESPN, or CBS Sports Network. Check local listings for availability in your area.
– Free Streaming Options: Platforms like fuboTV, DirecTV Stream, Sling, and Hulu + Live TV offer free trials for new users, allowing you to stream the game without immediate cost.
– International Viewers: Fans outside the United States can access the match via Apple TV’s MLS Season Pass or through local broadcasters like TNT Sports, Sky Sports, or Canal+, depending on the region.

For real-time updates, fans can follow live scores on apps like Sofascore, LiveScore, or the official MLS app, which provide detailed statistics, including possession, shots, and player performance.

Recent Form and Context

Philadelphia Union Recent Form (Last 5 MLS Matches):
– Loss: 1-0 vs. Nashville SC (Away)
– Loss: 1-0 vs. Columbus Crew (Away)
– Win: 4-2 vs. Orlando City (Home)
– Draw: 0-0 vs. New York Red Bulls (Home)
– Win: 3-1 vs. Toronto FC (Home)

The Union’s home form remains their strength, with six wins and three draws in their last 10 home games. Their recent losses on the road highlight the importance of this match to regain confidence and maintain their third-place standing.

New York Red Bulls Recent Form (Last 5 MLS Matches):
– Draw: 1-1 vs. Charlotte FC (Home)
– Draw: 1-1 vs. Toronto FC (Away)
– Draw: 0-0 vs. D.C. United (Home)
– Loss: 2-0 vs. Philadelphia Union (Home)
– Win: 3-2 vs. New England Revolution (Home)

The Red Bulls’ four-match winless streak and poor away form make this a daunting challenge. Their ability to grind out draws shows resilience, but they’ll need more attacking potency to upset Philadelphia.

Injury Updates and Team News

Philadelphia Union: The Union are dealing with several injury concerns. Francis Westfield (ankle), Ian Glavinovich (meniscus), Mikael Uhre (groin), and Jesus Bueno (hamstring) are doubtful, potentially forcing Carnell to rely on younger players like Cavan Sullivan. Tai Baribo’s return to full fitness is a major boost, and he’s expected to lead the line alongside Alejandro Bedoya.
Possible Lineup (4-4-2): Blake (GK); Mbaizo, Glesnes, Makhanya, Wagner; Sullivan, Jacques, Lukic, Vassilev; Baribo, Bedoya.

New York Red Bulls: The Red Bulls will miss Cameron Harper (knee) and Lewis Morgan (thigh), while Raheem Edwards is suspended following a red card in their last match. Emil Forsberg’s fitness is uncertain, but Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting is back to full strength and will spearhead the attack.
Possible Lineup (4-2-3-1): Coronel (GK); Duncan, Nealis, Eile, Valencia; Stroud, Edelman; Sofo, Forsberg, Carmona; Choupo-Moting.

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Why This Match Matters

This clash carries significant implications for both teams. For the Philadelphia Union, a victory could propel them back to the top of the Eastern Conference, especially if other results go their way. With 40 points, they’re just two points shy of the Supporters’ Shield lead, making every home game critical. For the New York Red Bulls, a win would not only break their long-standing drought against Philadelphia but also boost their playoff hopes, as they aim to climb from eighth place. The rivalry’s intensity, combined with the high stakes, guarantees a spectacle filled with drama, goals, and passionate support from both sets of fans.

Fan Engagement and Social Media Buzz

The excitement surrounding this match is palpable on social media platforms like X, where fans are sharing predictions and rallying behind their teams. Posts from accounts like @NewYorkRedBulls and @phillysoccerpg have hyped the matchup, with hashtags like #DOOP and #RedRunsDeep trending among supporters. Fans are encouraged to join the conversation on X, sharing their score predictions and player highlights using these hashtags to connect with the broader MLS community.

Final Thoughts

The Philadelphia Union vs. New York Red Bulls matchup on July 12, 2025, is more than just a game—it’s a chapter in one of MLS’s most storied rivalries. With Philadelphia’s home dominance, New York’s counter-attacking threat, and star players ready to shine, this encounter promises to be a thrilling addition to the 2025 MLS season. Whether you’re watching on Apple TV, streaming via fuboTV, or following live updates on Sofascore, this is a match you won’t want to miss. Our prediction favors a 2-1 Union victory, driven by Tai Baribo’s scoring prowess and Philadelphia’s impregnable home form. Get ready for a night of soccer fireworks at Subaru Park!