Luck Falls in the Union’s Favor
Championship-winning teams need to be more than good; they need to be lucky as well.
Over the last MLS weekend, the Philadelphia Union found themselves needing Lady Luck on their side.
After an awful home draw to struggling Toronto FC, the Union’s Supporters’ Shield hopes seemed to be hanging on by a thread.
However, the rest of the weekend fell exactly how they needed.
Bullet Dodged
The Union truly dodged a bullet in their chase for the Supporters’ Shield. Cincinnati, Nashville, and Miami, the three teams breathing down the Union’s neck, all outright lost. In the Western Conference, Vancouver also lost. So, despite the disappointing draw, the only team to gain ground on the Union is San Diego.
With 8 games left to play, the Union has a 2-point lead on Cincy and San Diego for the Supporters’ Shield. One of the biggest factors is Miami losing. Miami still has 3 games in hand. However, if Miami turns those games into 9 points, they can now only tie the Union – should the Union stay perfect themselves.
Of course, if the Union took all 3 points against Toronto, like they should have, they would be in an even better position. However, they managed to gain ground on their Eastern Conference rivals.
Tough Road to the End
The Union only has 8 games left in MLS play. In their quest for the Shield, they also have the US Open Cup to focus on. This week, they face the Red Bulls in the quarterfinals.
If the Union can see themselves through to the Supporters Shield, they will have earned it. Only 3 of their final 8 games are at home. Simultaneously, 2 of their away games are at Cincinnati and Vancouver. Two teams that are breathing down the Union’s neck in the standings.
If the Union can miraculously pull off 6 points from Cincy and Vancouver, the shield may just be theirs.
Who would have thought coming into 2025, after all of the roster departures, we would be talking about the Union leading the shield standings with 8 games to go.
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