MLS is back after the World Cup break as two Eastern Conference rivals face off. Philadelphia Union will be hoping to put the first half of the season behind them, while the Red Bulls will see this as the perfect chance to get one over on a rival that’s dominated them over the last few years.
Match Details
Who: Philadelphia Union vs. Red Bull New York
What: MLS Regular Season
Where: Subaru Park, Chester, Pennsylvania
When: Wednesday July 22, 7:30 PM ET / 4:30 PM PT
Watch: Apple TV
Revamped Union Look To Rebound From Nightmare Start
There’s no sugarcoating it: the first half of 2026 could not have possibly gone worse for Philadelphia Union. Only one singular win in the first 15 games has resulted in manager Bradley Carnell getting sacked while Ernst Tanner has lost his role of sporting director and has a very uncertain future after his league-issued suspension ended in June. In come interim head coach Ryan Richter, who was the manager of Union’s second team, and Jon Scheer, who was promoted from academy director to sporting director. Their first way of improving the team? Welcoming back some familiar faces.
In a sudden and unexpected move, Philadelphia re-signed club legend Kai Wagner this summer. The left back joins from Birmingham City despite only being sold to England in January. Wagner impressed during his brief stint abroad but said family reasons led to his shocking return to the Union. As the club’s all-time leader in assists, he’ll instantly provide a huge boost to a struggling attack.Â
Another player who will revamp the attack is Quinn Sullivan. Older brother of wonderkid Cavan, Quinn is back in training and ready to return after tearing his ACL last September. Since the elder Sullivan’s injury, the Union have gone from the very top of the table to the very bottom. The prospect of Quinn and Cavan starting alongside each other in the dual 10 roles of Philly’s 4-2-2-2 is tantalizing.
Young Red Bulls Hoping To Build On Positive Start
Before the 2026 MLS season started, there was a lot of uncertainty around Red Bull New York. Not only did they hire a manager in Michael Bradley who had only previously coached their second team, but there was heavy roster turnover. Over half of the starters this season are different from 2025. However, all those changes needed to be made after the Red Bulls saw their 15 year playoff streak come to an end. Bradley now has this young team all the way up in fifth in the East.
The story of the season for the Red Bulls has been their teenage sensations. Striker Julian Hall was a bench piece in 2025 but only scored twice across his 31 appearances. 2026 has been his breakout year. The 18 year old has found the net 12 times in 17 games and also registered three assists. He’s permanently benched DP striker Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting, formerly of Bayern Munich and PSG.
New York also needed an answer in defensive midfield after trading homegrown Daniel Edelman to St. Louis. 17 year old Adri Mehmeti has brought new life to that position. Despite this being his first MLS season, Mehmeti plays like a veteran. His composure and vision on the ball is unlike anything the United States have ever produced. He’s drawn comparisons to Sergio Busquets and rightly so based on the way he dictates play every single match. The system runs through him and when it works, it’s beautiful to watch.
Match Prediction
If this game was happening before the World Cup break, it would be an easy prediction. Red Bull New York would comfortably dismantle the Union. Those few weeks changed a lot about this Philadelphia team. Getting Wagner and Sullivan back immediately makes them about five times as dangerous going forward. The absence of center back Olwethu Makhanya as he searches for a transfer could be costly, but homegrown Neil Pierre is ready to step up. Give me the Union to earn a huge three points at home to put the first half of the season in the past.
Prediction: Philadelphia Union 2-1 Red Bull New York
