MLS Cup final 2022: Philadelphia Union’s possible starting lineup vs LAFC

Philadelphia Union beat New York City FC 3-1 on their way to the MLS Cup final. Julián Carranza scored to draw the Union level after New York took the lead. Two minutes later, the Argentine forward headed a pass to Daniel Gazdag in the box, who made it 2-1 to Union. Cory Burke put the icing on the cake when he found the back of the net with just over 10 minutes of play remaining to send the Union into their first MLS Cup final.

Philly goals

Carranza has 15 goals to go along with eight assists in 32 MLS appearances for Philly this year. Gazdag has also been on fire and leads the scoring charts with 20 goals for the season. The Union will be hoping Carranza and Gazdag can continue their scoring form and help get them over the line on Saturday.

‘Incredible’ team

Jim Curtin’s Philadelphia side finished the regular season in first place with 67 points in 34 games and a record of 19W-5L-10D, before beating reigning champions New York City FC and FC Cincinnati in the playoffs to reach the final. After a record-breaking 2022 Major League Soccer season, Curtin hopes to lead this “unique” Union side to their first-ever league trophy.

“This is the best team I’ve ever worked with, and not just because we got to this game. But the way they play on the field. The relationships I have with these players are really close. You can start from the back with an Andre Blake, who I saw drafted into this league and struggle early on to then become the Goalkeeper of the Year and Best 11, all the accolades. He’s the example of what we are, and who we are. What we built, and became stable because of players like him. Sprinkle in Ale Bedoya, and his leadership, finding that player who gives our club that identity,” he said.

“It’s an incredible team that we have, a fun team to watch. We scored the most goals in the league, and conceded the least. We have a way of doing things that is unique, unique to Philadelphia.”

Philadelphia team news

The big question for the Union is whether their captain Alejandro Bedoya will be fit to play against LAFC on Saturday. The former US international is carrying a hip injury, which forced him off in the Eastern Conference win over New York City FC.

“He’s doing everything he can to be involved in the game,” Curtin said when asked about Bedoya pre-match. “You never know when you’re going to get an opportunity like this.”

Philadelphia Union possible starting lineup:

Blake; Mbaizo, Glesnes, Elliott, Wagner; McGlynn, Martinez, Flach; Gazdag; Carranza, Uhre.

LAFC vs Philadelphia Union: key game info

The 2022 MLS Cup final between LAFC and Philadelphia Union will kick off at Banc of California Stadium, Los Angeles, at 1:05pm PT (4:05pm ET). Viewers in the US will be able to tune in to the game on FOX, TUDN USA and Univisión. If you’re looking to watch LAFC vs Philadelphia online, one option available to you is the streaming platform fuboTV, which offers a free trial.

AS USA will have live-text coverage of the clash in California.