MLS Cup Final Preview | LAFC vs Philadelphia Union 11/5/22

Contributor

Carlos Mariscal

LAFC vs Philadelphia Union

MLS Cup Final

Saturday, November 5

1:00pm PT

Location: Banc of California Stadium - Los Angeles, California

TV: FOX, Univision, TUDN

Radio: 710 AM ESPN, ESPN LA App, 980 AM La Mera Mera

LAFC advanced to its first-ever MLS Cup Final after defeating Austin FC 3-0 on Sunday, Oct. 30. The Supporter’ Shield Champions will now face off against the Supporters’ Shield runners-up, Philadelphia Union, on Saturday at Banc of California Stadium in a highly anticipated East vs West showdown.

The matchup will feature two teams in their first-ever MLS Cup Final for just the fourth time in league history, but the first time the top seeds from both conferences reach the MLS Cup since 2003.

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The Black & Gold will be facing off against the Union for the fifth time in the Club’s history, and the teams have tied three times, including a 2-2 draw on May 7 at Banc of California Stadium.

The Union finished the season tied on points with LAFC (67) but the Black & Gold had the edge based on total number of wins per match. Philadelphia advanced to the MLS Cup Final by defeating NYCFC 3-1 in the Eastern Conference Final.

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UNION IN-DEPTH

Led by Sigi Schmid Coach of the Year Award winner, Jim Curtin, the Union are in the MLS Cup for the first time in club history after coming up short in 2021 when they were eliminated by NYCFC in the Eastern Conference Final.

The Union led the league in goals scored (72) and assists (72), while Allstate MLS Goalkeeper of the Year winner, Andre Blake, led the league (15) in clean sheets in the MLS regular season.

Philadelphia finished the regular season with a plus-46 goal difference, which is the second highest in MLS history behind LAFC’s plus-48 in 2019.

The scoring attack is led by the trio of Dániel Gazdag (23 goals), Julián Carranza (15 goals), Mikael Uhre (13 goals), who have combined for 51 goals this season, including the 2022 MLS Cup Playoffs.

LAFC WILL WIN IF

The LAFC forwards continue their hot form and finish opportunities as they look to defend the Banc one final time in 2022. The trio of Cristian Arango, Denis Bouanga, and Carlos Vela have been responsible for five out of the six goals scored in the playoffs for the Black & Gold. Mahala Opoku has also shown he’s a dangerous super sub as his late goal vs Austin FC helped secure a spot in the MLS Cup Final. The LAFC backline will also need to slow down a Philadelphia offense that led the league with goals inside the 18.

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UNION CAN WIN IF

The Philadelphia Union can breakdown the a strong defense with veteran, hard presence of Giorgio Chiellini, Jesus Murillo, Ryan Hollingshead, Diego Palacios and Sebastian Ibeagha. The Union will most likely come out in a 4-4-2 formation and will look to press heavily, while clogging up the middle of the field. The Union will also lean on goalkeeper Andre Blake, who only allowed a league best 26 goals in the 2022 regular season.