Philadelphia Union v Colorado Rapids: Carnell ´excited´ for Armas reunion

Philadelphia Union head coach Bradley Carnell said he is “excited” to face friend and former colleague, Chris Armas, when they face the Colorado Rapids.

Carnell was Armas’ assistant when the two coaches were at the New York Red Bulls from 2018 to 2020. Carnell was promoted to interim head coach in 2020 when Armas was sacked.

Armas led the Red Bulls to the Supporters’ Shield in his first season with the club before spells as assistant coach at Manchester United and Leeds United.

The Rapids are currently seventh in the Western Conference and looking to cement their spot in the playoffs.

Carnell, whose Union side are now third in the East but only one point off leaders FC Cincinnati, is looking forward to reuniting with Armas on the touchline.

“He was my room-mate when I first got here!” Carnell said with a big smile.

“We have learnt a lot from each other. One of the best things I’ve learnt from Chris is how he treats people and puts people first.

“I’m really happy for him, and he has found a really great place to show who he is and what he is about as a coach. I’m happy he has been able to find success there. He has brought stability to the club.

“We have some good banter back and forth and a couple of phone calls here and there, [we are] excited to see each other.

“They are a hard-working team. They are very tough to break down, but we also have certain qualities that they appreciate and respect. We just hope that those come out more often than their qualities.

“They are very strong up in the attack with Rafael Navarro and Djordje Mihailovic very lethal, a good combination between those two. They fight for everything that they have earned.”

It is hot out.#DOOP pic.twitter.com/ofCOHjC6RL

— Philadelphia Union (@PhilaUnion) July 25, 2025

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Philadelphia Union – Tai Baribo

Tai Baribo has been important for Philadelphia this season. He is the side’s top scorer with 13 goals, which is tied for the fourth highest in the competition in 2025, four of which have been the critical first of the match.

The striker also scored in the MLS All-Star Game and was named MVP after their 3-1 win over the Liga MX All-Stars.

Colorado Rapids – Djordje Mihailovic

Mihailovic is the Rapids’ top scorer in the MLS this season with nine goals and has also contributed with seven assists.

Mihailovic has recorded 15 goal contributions in consecutive seasons for Colorado (23 in 2024, 15 in 2025), the first player to record 15 or more goal contributions in two straight years for Colorado since Omar Cummings in 2008 and 2009.

MATCH PREDICTION – PHILADELPHIA UNION WIN

Philadelphia are unbeaten in 12 straight home matches in all competitions (W8 D4), including winning three in a row at Subaru Park. In league play, the Union have scored multiple goals in eight straight at home, equalling the second-longest streak in team history (10 straight in 2022-23).

Colorado are winless in eight straight away matches (D3 L5), conceding multiple goals in all eight matches, including allowing three in three straight on the road.

Philadelphia have lost only one of their last 10 meetings with Colorado in all competitions (W4 D5) dating back to 2013. The Union have not lost at home against the Rapids since a 2-1 defeat in March 2012.

In their last six league matches, Philadelphia have won three, drawn one and lost two. Colorado, meanwhile, have won two, drawn two and lost two in their last six.

OPTA WIN PROBABILITY

Philadelphia Union – 62.8%

Draw – 19.7%

Colorado Rapids – 17.4%