Philadelphia Union vs Inter Miami

Inter Miami, currently struggling for form, will face the Philadelphia Union in a crucial MLS Week 15 showdown this Saturday at Subaru Park. The Florida-based side is desperate to snap a three-match winless streak in league play, hoping to regain momentum after a dismal run that has seen them secure just one victory in their last seven matches across all competitions. Their defensive frailties have been a major concern, with opponents frequently exploiting their shaky backline. Meanwhile, the Union enter the match in formidable form, riding an eight-game unbeaten streak in all competitions. The contrast between the two teams could not be starker—Philadelphia sits atop the Eastern Conference and the overall MLS standings, while Inter Miami languishes seven points behind, albeit with a game in hand.  

The Union’s resurgence this season has been one of the league’s standout stories. After a disappointing 2023 campaign that saw them miss the MLS Cup Playoffs, the club underwent a managerial overhaul, appointing Bradley Carnell in January following Jim Curtin’s departure. The South African coach has revitalized the team, guiding them to the summit of the league with 29 points from 14 matches. Though Vancouver Whitecaps trail closely with 28 points (and a game in hand), Philadelphia’s consistency has been impressive. Their campaign began with three straight wins, but a mid-season wobble saw them claim just one victory in five games, including a loss to Inter Miami. However, since a defeat to New York City FC in late March, Carnell’s men have been nearly unstoppable, winning seven of their last eight matches across all competitions. Their only slip-up in that stretch was a hard-fought draw against the Columbus Crew on May 11.  

Fresh off a dominant 4-1 victory over the Pittsburgh Riverhounds in the U.S. Open Cup—a result that booked their place in the quarterfinals—the Union will be eager to extend their unbeaten MLS run to seven games. With five wins and a draw in their last six league outings, they remain locked in a tight battle for Eastern Conference supremacy with FC Cincinnati, who also boast 29 points. A win against Inter Miami would further solidify their credentials as genuine title contenders.  

On the other side, Inter Miami’s season has taken a worrying downturn after a bright start under new manager Javier Mascherano. The Argentine’s tenure began promisingly, with the Herons going unbeaten in their first eight matches across all competitions. However, their form has nosedived since a CONCACAF Champions Cup quarterfinal first-leg defeat to Los Angeles FC. While they initially responded with a four-game unbeaten streak, their performances have since unraveled, with five losses in their last seven matches in both MLS and continental play. Their defensive woes have been particularly alarming, conceding three or more goals in five of their last six games. A 3-1 defeat to Vancouver in the Champions Cup was followed by high-scoring losses to FC Dallas (4-3) and Minnesota United (4-1), as well as a chaotic 3-3 draw with the San Jose Earthquakes. Most recently, they suffered a humbling 3-0 home defeat to Orlando City, further exposing their vulnerabilities.  

Mascherano has struggled to find solutions to his team’s sudden decline. Last season’s Supporters’ Shield winners now risk going four MLS matches without a win—a scenario they last endured in 2023 when they went six games winless between September and October. With Charlotte FC and the Chicago Fire just two points behind them in the Eastern Conference standings, Miami could slip out of the playoff places if they suffer another defeat and results elsewhere go against them. Charlotte faces a tough test against the Columbus Crew, while the Fire travel to New York City FC, adding further pressure on Mascherano’s side to deliver.  

As the two teams prepare to clash, the stakes are clear. Philadelphia will aim to maintain their grip on first place, while Inter Miami must rediscover their early-season form to avoid falling further behind in the playoff race. With defensive resilience a major concern for the visitors and the Union firing on all cylinders, this matchup could prove pivotal in shaping the trajectory of both teams’ seasons.