Philadelphia Union vs New York City FC: all about the 2021 Eastern Conference Final

The 2021 MLS Eastern Conference Final is ready. Philadelphia Union will host New York City FC on Sunday, December 5th at 3 pm. The second against the fourth place according to the Eastern Conference standings. Both teams reached the final by defeating their opponents on penalty kicks.

Regular Season

Philadelphia Union ended the regular season in second place in the Eastern Conference with 54 points, below New England Revolution which ended the season with 73 points. Philadelphia Union won 14, lost 8, and tied 12 in a total of 34 games. 

Meanwhile, New York City FC ended the regular season in fourth place with 51 points, just three points behind its current opponent. They won 14, lost 11, and tied 9 in their 34 games played. 

These teams met three times during the season, with one win each and one draw. The last game was on November 7th and ended with a draw. 

On the way to the final

Philadelphia Union began its playoffs journey by facing New York Red Bulls on November 20th for the quarter-finals. With a minimal one-goal advantage, Philadelphia defeated New York Red Bulls thanks to the defender Jakob Glesnes who scored the winning goal in the 77´minute.

In the semifinals, the ones coached by Jim Curtin faced Nashville SC. The match ended in a draw, with a 1-1 score, going to overtime. In extra time, the score remained the same and the game went to penalties. The star of the penalties was the goalkeeper of Philadelphia Union Andre Blake, who kept a clean sheet.

On the other hand, New York City FC faced Atlanta United and won the match with a score of 2-0. Valentin Castellanos y Alexander Callens were the scorers of the goals to give the victory to the citizens.

For the semifinals, they faced the best team of the regular season, New England Revolution. With a great game plan and a lot of grit, New York City was able to tie the game in regular time. In overtime, the visitors scored the goal to take the lead but New England Revolution reacted to tie the game again. The match was settled on penalties and New York surprised with the victory. 

Player Statistics Comparison 

Goals

The player who scored the most for Philadelphia Union was K. Przybylko with 12 goals. For New York City was V. Castellanos with 19 goals.

Assists

The assist leader for Philadelphia Union was K. Wagner with 7 assists while M. Moralez delivered 11 assists during the regular season.

Appearances 

L. Flach played the 34 games of the season for Philadelphia Union and for the New York City FC, the player who appeared the most was J. Medina.
 

Team Statistics Comparison

Attack

Philadelphia Union scored a total of 50 goals while New York City FC saw the net 60 times during the regular season.

Defense

Philadelphia Union conceded 36 goals and had 13 clean sheets and New York City conceded 38 goals and had 12 clean sheets.

Possible Line ups 

With the exception of V. Castellanos who was sent off the last match against New England Revolution, both teams are expected to play as they did it in the semifinals.