Philadelphia Union v Charlotte FC: Carnell hails ´incredible´ hosts following unbeaten run

Philadelphia Union head coach Bradley Carnell called his side “incredible” after they went unbeaten during a busy period in May.

The Union are currently on an 11-game unbeaten run, with nine of those matches coming last month.

Carnell’s side sit top of the Eastern Conference, with 34 points from 17 games. They have scored 32 goals and conceded just 18 in that time, putting them four points clear of FC Cincinnati in second.

Despite a draw in their last match against FC Dallas, where they also suffered some injuries, Carnell was proud of his team’s performances this season and is looking forward to the games.

Carnell said: “The guys have been incredible that last month. We’ve been challenged, we’ve been up, we’ve been down, and we found a way to manage all these things and bounce back every two, three days. So, I’m very proud of them.

“It’s unfortunate at the end of the Dallas game that we picked up injuries to Mikael Uhre and Tai Baribo, so we’re going to have to monitor and assess those guys. I thought for the large part of the month we came out unscathed, and we’re just happy to have this reset now.

“A proactive soccer team who presses, runs a lot, and invests a lot of energy – I think it’s a signature of mine.

“Our staff’s been amazing. We’ve got everybody on board. Everyone’s been collective, investing in the guys who even played the least minutes. So, I’m proud of the staff and the way we’ve managed this and just kept the belief and the hunger, because that’s the only way to achieve success and greatness – it’s when you stick together.

“[We are] trying to just set new targets, keep the guys inspired, get them motivated, and looking forward to something. I’d love to reset the league table and start everybody at zero again.”

The guys thought it was just another day of training, but Coach Carnell had other plans #DOOP pic.twitter.com/5prBqpSMUJ

— Philadelphia Union (@PhilaUnion) June 10, 2025

Philadelphia will look to keep their unbeaten run going against Charlotte FC in their next home game.

Charlotte are eighth in the Eastern Conference but went into the international break in good form, winning two of their last three games, which followed a run of five straight losses.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Philadelphia Union – Tai Baribo

Baribo has been irreplaceable for Philadelphia this season. However, he could miss this match through injury.

They will be hoping he is available, though, as he is the club’s top scorer with 12 goals, with no other player managing more in the league in 2025, three of those having been the crucial first of the match.

Charlotte FC – Pep Biel

Pep Biel has scored five goals this season to go along with seven assists.

Only Karol Swiderski (16 twice) and Patrick Agyemang (16 in 2024) have recorded more goal contributions in a single season for Charlotte than Biel’s 12 this year.

MATCH PREDICTION: PHILADELPHIA UNION WIN

The Union are in the midst of a seven-match MLS home unbeaten streak dating to March 22 against St. Louis City SC. In league matches on their travels this season, Charlotte have two wins, one draw, and six losses.

Philadelphia, unbeaten in nine straight MLS games, will put their run on the line at Subaru Park against Charlotte on Saturday.

However, Charlotte have got the better of Philadelphia of late, unbeaten in the last three MLS matches between them.

Philadelphia are looking for their first league win in fixtures between the two teams since May 2023. Charlotte during that period have outscored the Union with four goals for and two against.

OPTA WIN PROBABILITY

Philadelphia Union – 53.6%

Draw – 23.8%

Charlottle FC – 22.6%