Philadelphia Union v New England Revolution: Carnell confident of turnaround after ´a tough week´

Philadelphia Union head coach Bradley Carnell believes there is light at the end of the tunnel after a tough week for his side.

The Eastern Conference leaders lost 7-0 to the Vancouver Whitecaps in their last MLS match before they were knocked out of the U.S. Open Cup semi-finals by Nashville SC during the week.

Philadelphia have a great chance to bounce back with a win as they face the New England Revolution in their next game.

The Revs have won just twice in the league since the start of June and sacked head coach Caleb Porter on Monday, with Pablo Moreira appointed for the interim role.

Carnell said he saw enough from his side in the second half of their cup defeat to Nashville to be optimistic about the future.

“It has been a tough week for the guys to overcome, a lot of adversity, and I thought the way they responded in the second half was not an easy thing to do,” said Carnell.

“It was a little bit of light at the end of the tunnel, but we have to do better on our personal details with defending set pieces and tracking runners and markers.

“We rallied in the second half. We created momentum, we showed a bit of belief and a bit of hunger and fight to get back into it, and we showed great body language to try after the week we have had.

“These guys are not machines. We are not machines. I’m proud of the way they have responded, and it shows there is a lot of life and quality left in this group.”

Despite last week’s heavy defeat, Philadelphia still sit top of the Eastern Conference, while New England’s hopes of a playoff spot are very slim, with a 10-point gap between them and ninth-placed Chicago Fire.

Our time in @opencup comes to an end.#DOOP | @PennMedicine pic.twitter.com/nquhL28MMo

— Philadelphia Union (@PhilaUnion) September 17, 2025

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Philadelphia Union – Tai Baribo

Tai Baribo has impressed in the Union attack this season, leading the side with 16 goals in MLS.

However, the striker has scored in just two games since the start of August, failing to find the back of the net in his last three games for Philadelphia.

New England Revolution – Carles Gil

Carles Gil has led the way for New England in what has been a disappointing campaign for the Revs.

He has scored 10 goals and registered 10 assists in 30 MLS games in 2025, including a late penalty goal in their last road game.

MATCH PREDICTION – PHILADELPHIA UNION WIN

Philadelphia have been formidable at Subaru Park this season with 10 wins, four draws, and just one loss in 15 MLS games. The Union are looking to extend a 13-match MLS home unbeaten streak dating back to March 22 against St. Louis City SC.

Philadelphia have also got the better of New England of late with wins in five straight clashes. During that period, the Union outscored the Revs with 14 goals to two.

New England’s form on the road has been unpredictable, with the Revs recording five wins, five draws, and five losses on their travels this season in league matches.

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

OPTA WIN PROBABILITY

Philadelphia Union – 66%

Draw – 18.5%

New England Revolution – 15.5%