Philadelphia Union vs. New York Red Bulls Prediction, Preview and Odds - 5/15/21

Philadelphia Union vs New York Red Bulls

Philadelphia Union is ninth in the MLS Eastern Conference standings with a record of 1-2-2 on five points and a -1 goal difference. The Union is coming off a 1-1 draw with the New England Revolution on Wednesday. Philadelphia and New England scored in the final five minutes of play with New England opening the scoring in the 85th minute and Kacper Przybylko scoring an equalizer for Philadelphia in the 88th minute.

The New York Red Bulls have had a strong start to their MLS season and sit fourth in the Eastern Conference with a record 2-0-2 and six points with a +2 goal difference. The Red Bulls defeated Toronto 2-0 last Saturday in their most recent MLS fixture. Caden Clark and Frankie Amaya scored for the Red Bulls in a dominating victory for New York. Although New York is fourth in the Eastern Conference standings the Red Bulls are only two points behind leaders CF Montreal and New England.

Philadelphia’s Backline and Keepers are Key to Success

The Philadelphia Union has two wins, two draws and one loss over the last five matches played including fixtures in the MLS and CONCACAF Champions League. Over that stretch of 5 matches, Philadelphia Union has posted a pair of clean sheets and has allowed a total of only four goals. Philadelphia has made 19 saves in its first four matches in the MLS this season while allowing a total of just four goals in league play.

Philadelphia has taken 61 shots with 16 on target and has been accurate on 73.3% of their passes. Philadelphia has taken 24 corners and scored four goals in five matches. Jakob Glesnes, Jamiro Monteiro, Cory Burke and Kacper Przybylko each have scored one goal for Philadelphia. Kai Wagner, Monteiro and Przybylko have one assist each for the Union.

Red Bulls Back Line Tightening Up

New York Red Bulls gave up two goals in their first match and 3 in their second with each resulting in a loss but since then New York has held each of its last two opponents scoreless resulting in 2-0 victories in both matches. New York has climbed to fourth in the East and much of that is thanks to a strong back line and keepers. New York has made eight saves, 48 clearances and has 10 blocked shots.

The Red Bulls scoring has been its strong suit this season as the Red Bulls have scored two goals in three of their first four matches and were held to one goal in an opening match loss. New York has taken 51 shots and put 18 on target and has been accurate in 71.7% of their passes. Youngster Caden Clark, who was just 17, is the leading goal scorer for New York with 3, while Cristian Casseres Jr, who is just 21, has scored two. Fabio has four assists to lead the Red Bulls.

Side: Philadelphia Union -116

Philadelphia has dominated the New York Red Bulls winning each of the last three contests between the two outscoring New York 8-3. In the most recent matchup between the two, Philadelphia defeated New York on the Red Bulls home pitch 3-0. Philadelphia has played 9 matches early this season thanks to taking part in the CONCACAF Champions League and is in much better game shape than the Red Bulls. Philadelphia will pressure the two young scorers for the Red Bulls and will not give Caden Clark or Cristian Casseres Jr. any open shots in the box.

Total: Over 2.5

Although the New York Red Bulls have had a strong defense in each of the last two matches, the Red Bulls will be facing a tough Philadelphia Union XI in Philadelphia. Philly will pressure the Red Bulls back line and keeper from the start. The total has finished over 2.5 goals in two of the Red Bulls four matches this season.