Philadelphia Union vs Toronto FC: Match Preview, Lineups & Prediction | MLS Matchday 16 (2025)
📅 Date: Wednesday, May 28, 2025
📍 Location: BMO Field, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
🕖 Kickoff Time: 7:30 PM EST
📺 Watch Live: Apple TV MLS Season Pass
⚽ Fixture: Matchday 16 – MLS Regular Season
📰 Latest Update: Toronto FC Hosts Philadelphia Union in 300th MLS Home Match
Toronto FC will mark a historic milestone this Wednesday as they host Eastern Conference leaders Philadelphia Union for their 300th MLS regular-season home match. While the Reds aim to defend their home turf, the Union arrive in hot form and with an unbeaten streak on the line.
🔎 Team Overview: Toronto FC (3-8-4, 13 pts)
Toronto enters Matchday 16 with mixed recent form: an emphatic 6-1 away win over CF Montréal, followed by a narrow 2-1 home loss to Nashville SC. The attacking spark was led by Federico Bernardeschi, who netted twice in the Montreal derby, but he will miss this match due to yellow card accumulation.
🧠 Key Stats & Highlights:
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⚽ 6 goals vs CF Montréal — Club record in an MLS match.
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❌ 20 goals conceded this season.
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🏟️ Unbeaten in their last 4 home games vs Philadelphia (since Oct 2021).
📋 TFC Injury Report:
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Out: Kobe Franklin (ankle), Nicksoen Gomis (lower body), Deandre Kerr (ankle), Richie Laryea (lower body)
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Questionable: Markus Cimermancic (lower body), Raoul Petretta (ankle)
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Suspended: Bernardeschi, Kosi Thompson (yellow card accumulation)
🦅 Philadelphia Union (9-3-3, 30 pts) – Eastern Conference Leaders
Philadelphia Union heads to Toronto riding high on a 7-match MLS unbeaten streak, and a total of 10 straight without a loss across all competitions. With Andre Blake returning from injury, the Union are primed for a strong finish before the international break.
🔥 Team Momentum:
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✅ Undefeated in May (league + cup).
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🧤 Andre Blake returns after 6 matches out — massive boost to backline.
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🧳 Staying on the road this week to build continuity and team chemistry.
📋 Union Injury Report:
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Out: Ian Glavinovich (knee), Neil Pierre (knee)
⚔️ Key Matchup: Tai Baribo vs Toronto’s Backline
Philadelphia striker Tai Baribo, one of the league’s most clinical finishers, will test a leaky Toronto defense that has already shipped 20 goals. His off-the-ball runs and penalty box presence could be the difference in a tightly contested battle.
🧤 Player to Watch: Andre Blake (Philadelphia Union)
The three-time MLS Goalkeeper of the Year returns at a crucial time. Known for his shot-stopping reflexes and commanding presence, Blake will be key to shutting down Toronto’s attack. His leadership could be vital in extending Philly’s unbeaten run.
🧠 Head-to-Head Record
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🔢 Total MLS Meetings: 33
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📊 Toronto FC: 14 Wins
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🤝 Draws: 8
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🦅 Philadelphia Union: 11 Wins
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📍 At BMO Field: Toronto unbeaten in last 4 home meetings
🔮 Match Prediction: Toronto FC 1-2 Philadelphia Union
While Toronto holds a slight historical edge at home, Philadelphia’s red-hot form, full-strength squad, and the return of Andre Blake should tilt the scales in their favor. Expect a competitive match, but the Union are likely to walk away with all three points.
