Philadelphia Union vs LAFC - CCL Preview: TV Channel, live stream, team news & prediction
By Alex Windley
LAFC and the Philadelphia Union will face off again in the second leg of the CONCACAF Champions League to see who will book a trip to the final.
The first leg saw both sides go after each other in what was a thrilling 1-1 draw at Subaru Park in Chester, Pennsylvania. Both teams will be looking to advance to the final, with everything up for grabs in the second leg.
It will be a hotly contested matchup for each team, with LAFC looking to get to their second final in three years and the Union searching for their first final appearance in club history.
Philadelphia Union vs LAFC score prediction
When is kick off? Tuesday, May 2nd, 2023, 10:10PM EST
Where is the match being played? BMO Stadium, Los Angeles, California, United States
TV channel/live stream? Fox Sports 1, UniMas Satellite Feed (Pacific), Univision NOW
Philadelphia Union team news
The Union will likely be without defensive midfielder Jose Martinez, who suffered a hamstring injury in leg one of the tie. Martinez plays a huge part in the way the Union plays. His toughness and ability to put out fires in defense help Philadelphia remain in control if the opposition strike during transition.
In his place will likely be Leon Flach, who has played just over 500 minutes for the Union this season. Philadelphia will want to go into the match offensive-minded. Though LAFC is one of the best teams in MLS, the Union will fancy their chances thanks to the 1-1 draw in the first leg.
Though they did concede a late-tying goal in the first leg courtesy of LAFC midfielder Kellyn Acosta, head coach Jim Curtin had this to say about the return leg: “The challenge now is to go their place. We have to score. That’s the reality of the situation. We have to win the game, which is hard but not impossible.”
LAFC team news
LAFC will be heading into the game with their heads held high. After scoring a late equalizing goal in the 95th minute in the first leg, the Black and Gold will head to their home turf to close out the tie in their favor.
Regarding injuries, Timothy Tillman has returned from injury and played 12 minutes after coming off the bench during the first leg. Similarly, Giorgio Chiellini made his way back to the bench for LAFC, returning to the game day roster after a couple of games out with a leg injury.
Both will be fit enough to face the Union in the second leg.
Speaking with the media before the 2nd leg, LAFC manager Steve Cherundolo previewed the highly anticipated match-up between the two sides.
“We feel we match up well against them, as I'm sure [Philadelphia Union coach] Jim [Curtin] also says...I think it's a fantastic matchup - one we're looking forward to - trying to use our home-field advantage to be just a little bit better tomorrow night.”
Philadelphia Union vs LAFC score prediction
With LAFC at home, it is difficult to see the Union coming out of the game unscathed. The Black and Gold will have a full-strength side and the 3252 behind them every step of the way.
Though Philadelphia will fight hard, LAFC has a scary attacking front line that includes Carlos Vela, Kwadwo Opuku, and Denis Bouanga that can threaten any backline.
The Union will make it difficult, but LAFC’s home-field advantage will play a massive part in whether or not they advance.