Philadelphia Union vs Mazatlán Prediction: Philadelphia Union are favored to emerge victorious with a 2-1 win over Mazatlán FC, leveraging their home advantage and tournament experience to advance to the Leagues Cup semifinals.
The Leagues Cup quarterfinal stage kicks off with an intriguing matchup as MLS side Philadelphia Union hosts Liga MX’s Mazatlán FC at Subaru Park. This first-ever meeting between the two clubs promises an exciting clash of styles as both teams aim to secure a spot in the semifinals.
Match Details
Date: August 18, 2024
Time: 12:30 AM ET
Venue: Subaru Park, Chester, Pennsylvania
Match Preview
Philadelphia Union comes into this quarterfinal riding a wave of confidence after their impressive victory over FC Cincinnati. Jim Curtin’s men have shown a knack for deadly counterattacking football, making the most of their chances despite often ceding possession to their opponents.
Mazatlán FC, on the other hand, has been the tournament’s Cinderella story. After losing their opening match, they’ve strung together three consecutive wins, including an upset over DC United and a hard-fought penalty shootout victory against Cruz Azul.
The contrast in styles should make for an intriguing tactical battle. Philadelphia’s high-pressing, direct approach will test Mazatlán’s ability to build from the back and maintain possession under pressure.
Philadelphia Union vs Mazatlán Lineups
Philadelphia Union Lineup (4-1-2-1-2): Elliott, Gazdag, Martinez, Bedoya, Baribo, Wagner, Mbaizo, Uhre, McGlynn, Glesnes, Blake.
Mazatlán FC Lineup (4-2-3-1): Merolla, Meraz, Almada, Rubio, Barcenas, Arciga, Gutierrez, Escoboza, Sierra, Sanchez, Colula.
Recent Form
Philadelphia Union The Union enter this match in fine form, unbeaten in their last six competitive fixtures. Their most recent outing saw them dispatch FC Cincinnati 4-2 in a thrilling encounter, showcasing their offensive prowess.
Mazatlán FC The Mexican side has defied expectations to reach this stage, overcoming a slow start to win three consecutive must-win matches. Their penalty shootout victory over Cruz Azul in the previous round highlighted their resilience.
Key Players to Watch
Philadelphia Union: Tai Baribo has been on fire in the Leagues Cup, leading the tournament with five goals. His partnership with Mikael Uhre up front has been crucial to Philadelphia’s success.
Mazatlán FC: Yoel Barcenas has been instrumental in Mazatlán’s surprising run, providing creativity in the midfield and contributing key goals.
Injury News
Philadelphia Union will likely be without Isaiah LeFlore, who continues to recover from a right knee injury.
Mazatlán FC has no reported injuries, with Lucas Merolla back in the lineup after recovering from a knee issue.
Data and Stats
Philadelphia Union’s recent performances have been impressive:
- Average possession: 42.5% in the Leagues Cup
- Scoring efficiency: 4 goals from 6 targeted efforts in their last match
- Home record: Only one competitive defeat at Subaru Park against a Mexican opponent
Mazatlán FC’s statistics highlight their resilience:
- Clean sheets: No second-half goals conceded in 4 Leagues Cup fixtures
- Unbeaten streak: 10 consecutive matches across all competitions when scoring multiple times
- 2024 record: First time going unbeaten in 4 successive competitive fixtures this year
Where to Watch Live?
Fans can catch all the action live on MLS Season Pass via Apple TV. Here’s the broadcast information for some countries:
- USA: MLS Season Pass
- Mexico: MLS Season Pass, Azteca Deportes En Vivo, Azteca 7
- UK: MLS Season Pass
- Canada: MLS Season Pass
- Australia: MLS Season Pass
- Germany: MLS Season Pass
- France: MLS Season Pass
- Spain: MLS Season Pass
- Italy: MLS Season Pass
- Brazil: MLS Season Pass
Key Battles
The midfield duel between Philadelphia’s Jose Martinez and Mazatlán’s Nicolás Benedetti could prove crucial in determining which team controls the tempo of the match.
In attack, the Union will look to exploit Mazatlán’s defense with the pace and movement of Baribo and Uhre, while the Mexican side will rely on the creativity of Barcenas to unlock Philadelphia’s sturdy backline.
Who Will Win?
Given Philadelphia’s home advantage and impressive form in the tournament, they enter as favorites. However, Mazatlán has shown they’re not to be underestimated.
The Union’s experience in high-stakes matches and their formidable home record against Mexican opposition give them the edge. Expect a closely contested affair, but Philadelphia’s attacking firepower should see them through.
Philadelphia Union vs Mazatlán Prediction: Philadelphia Union 2-1 Mazatlán FC
This quarterfinal clash promises to be an exciting encounter as both teams vie for a spot in the Leagues Cup semifinals. With contrasting styles and plenty at stake, fans can expect a night of high-quality soccer at Subaru Park.
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