Supporters’ Shield Within Reach For The Philadelphia Union, MLS Match Results & Betting Tips

What a week for the Philadelphia Union.

Just days after clinching a narrow 2-1 win over the New England Revolution, the Union then followed up their performance with a 5-0 thrashing of Toronto FC last Saturday. The victory — which featured 27 shots from Philadelphia — wasn’t just against a run-of-the-mill opponent either. Toronto, sitting alongside the Union with 41 points in the Eastern Conference table, are the only other team in the league that has as many points as Philadelphia so far this season.

Sure, Toronto was missing a handful of crucial players, but it still speaks volumes when arguably the league’s second-best team allows five goals in a match. Stunned by a Philadelphia XI that was spearheaded by attacking names like Sergio Santos, Jamiro Montero, Kacper Przybyłko, and others, Toronto was left watching their opposition-run circles around them.

It was brilliant to watch, and with just three games left in MLS regular-season schedule, expect the Union to have a blistering finish in their chase of the 2020 Supporters’ Shield.

New England Revolution 1-2 Philadelphia Union (Oct 19)

A sign of things to come. The Union’s narrow victory and two goals were all an appetizer of what would later arrive for the Eastern Conference giants in their ensuing match against Toronto.

Nashville SC 3-0 FC Dallas (Oct 20)

Even during a busy week that included two games in just three days, Nashville continued their recent good run of form with another commendable performance from both their defense and attack.

Seattle Sounders 1-1 Portland Timbers (Oct 22)

Despite the fact that there was some late drama with an equalizer from Seattle’s Will Bruin in the 93rd minute, this rivalry match between two Cascadian clubs failed to live up to high expectations.

Nashville SC 1-1 New England Revolution (Oct 23)

Keep an eye on Nashville. Undefeated in their last three games, the Tennessee side has all of the makings of a dark horse once the playoffs soon kickoff — that is, assuming they continue their improvements and earn an invitation.

Inter Miami 2-1 Orlando City (Oct 24)

Thanks to a late game-winner from Leandro Gonzalez Pirez in the 89th minute, Miami not only garnered three vital points in their playoff chase but also a confidence-building win over their rivals.

Atlanta United 1-2 DC United (Oct 24)

A shadow of what they once were, Atlanta are continuing the theme of their depression season with yet another loss. At this point, it wouldn’t be much of a shock if they missed out on the playoffs.

New York City FC 3-1 Montreal Impact (Oct 24)

Next on the list for likely clinching a postseason invitation in the near future: New York City FC. Although they’ve had a few hiccups along the way, their latest result highlights their attacking capabilities that should make them fun to watch in the playoffs.

Chicago Fire 2-2 New York Red Bulls (Oct 24)

Little by little, Chicago is making improvements. Undefeated in their last three — and narrowly missing out on a win after the Red Bulls found an equalizer in the 92nd minute — it looks as if the Fire could have a strong end to the regular season.

FC Cincinnati 0-1 Minnesota United (Oct 24)

Minnesota should consider themselves lucky here. After a controversial call for a corner, United squeezed past Cincinnati with a late game-winner during injury time.

Philadelphia Union 5-0 Toronto FC (Oct 24)

Plenty has been said earlier about this match and plenty of credit should go to Santos, who finished with a hat-trick in the stellar performance from all involved for Philadelphia.

Houston Dynamo 1-1 Columbus Crew (Oct 24)

As impressive as this game was for the Dynamo, at this point in the season, they need wins not draws. Fans of Houston will keep their fingers crossed for a late push towards the postseason.

Sporting Kansas City 4-0 Colorado Rapids (Oct 24)

Four goals later, Kansas City is now sitting on top of the Western Conference table. Like the Fire, SKC are appearing ready to have a late-season sprint in the final weeks.

Real Salt Lake 0-0 FC Dallas (Oct 24)

Although Dallas hit the woodwork as well, Real Salt Lake should consider themselves unlucky for smacking it three times last Saturday. Despite their attempts, a scoreless affair was the result after 90 minutes.

Vancouver Whitecaps 2-1 San Jose Earthquakes (Oct 24)

One step closer to the playoffs for Vancouver. Bouncing back from their previous defeat to the LA Galaxy, the Whitecaps surpassed San Jose with two goals in the 2nd half.

LAFC 2-0 LA Galaxy (Oct 25)

Welcome back, Carlos Vela. The current league MVP returned from injury to sink the second goal for LAFC in their massive win against their crosstown rivals. The Galaxy, without the injured Javier “Chicharito” Hernandez and without much hope, currently sit at the very bottom of the Western Conference table.

Betting Tip After Recent Round Of Matches

It’s all about the Union. At the risk of going against my own commendations of the Fire and the progress that they have made, it’s difficult to imagine them halting a Philadelphia roster that appears more than eager to sprint towards a Supporters’ Shield.

Pick:

Philadelphia for a win (-124) over Chicago this Wednesday through DraftKings Sportsbook.