2020 MLS is Back Tournament – Group A, Matchday 2
New York City FC vs. Philadelphia Union
ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex
Thurs., July 9 – 9:00 AM ET
TV: ESPN, ESPN Deportes; TSN in Canada
STREAMING: ESPN App in USA; TSN App in Canada
Two Eastern Conference contenders will get the action started on Matchday 2 of the MLS is Back Tournament, as New York City FC take on the Philadelphia Union in Group A.
NYCFC will look to right the ship after starting their 2020 campaign with a pair of tough 1-0 road defeats, first against Columbus Crew SC March 1, then against Toronto FC on March 7. While it wasn't the way they would have liked to start the year, it should be noted that they were juggling the start of the league season with Concacaf Champions League obligations, so a clean slate and healthy roster should bode well for an NYCFC side that still boasts one of the league's more talented rosters.
Philadelphia took a 2-0 defeat against FC Dallas on the road in their season-opener on Feb. 29, but followed that up with a 3-3 draw against mighty LAFC at Banc of California Stadium on March 8 that was an instant classic. Coming off a playoff campaign last season, Jim Curtin's side could make a statement of intent with a positive result in their tournament opener.
- Why NYCFC vs. Philly might be the best group-stage game
- The Bundesliga-bound City prospect that could feature at MLS is Back
- NYCFC's Deila thinks Orlando heat will impact Union's pressing style
- Philly coach Jim Curtin has lineup questions, both good and bad
- Aaronson: Getting Union's first trophy would be a dream
- Curtin: NYCFC are the best team in the East
- Extratime crew make their Group A picks
- How are NYCFC preparing for breakfast bash vs. Union
- Injury Report:
- QUESTIONABLE: Sebastien Ibeagha (D) - calf injury
- QUESTIONABLE: Tony Rocha (M) - hamstring injury
- Suspended: None
- Suspended after next caution: None
- International duty: None
- Injury Report:
- QUESTIONABLE: Sérgio Santos (F) - upper leg strain
- QUESTIONABLE: Michee Ngalina (F) - upper leg strain
- QUESTIONABLE: Andrew Wooten (F) - upper leg strain
- Suspended: None
- Suspended after next caution: None
- International duty: None
Series Matchup
- NYCFC: 7 wins, 20 goals
- Union: 3 wins, 15 goals
- 1 draw
Officials
- Referee: Armando Villarreal
- Assistant Referees: Eduardo Mariscal;, Matthew Nelson
- 4th Official: Robert Sibiga
- VAR: Tim Ford
