Philadelphia Union vs LAFC: times, how to watch on TV, stream online | Concacaf Champions League

The semi-finals of the Concacaf Champions League get started this week with an all-American tie in the final four. Philadelphia Union and LAFC go head to head on Wednesday evening, the latest edition of a burgeoning rivalry between the two sides.

Although the teams may not be close geographically they have been drawn together in the past in a number of thrilling encounters, most notably last year’s MLS Cup final.

LAFC co-president and general manager John Thorrington described the rivalry as one of “organic growth”.

“It happened not just because of the places in the standings and what have you, but also you have these moments culminating in MLS Cup [2022] and in years past where we’ve had great battles against them.”

“We’re really looking forward to the test that Philly presents to our group.”

When does Philadelphia Union vs LAFC kick off?

The game between Philadelphia Union vs LAFC will be played on Wednesday, 26 April 2023, at:

How to watch Philadelphia Union vs LAFC

Philadelphia Union vs LAFC preview

Philadelphia Union

Earlier this month Philadelphia Union saw off Mexican side Atlas in the Concacaf Champions League semi-finals to set up the all-MLS tie in the final four.

Julian Carranza starred in the second leg in Mexico, scoring a brace to nudge the tie in the Union’s favour. Danish forward Mikael Uhre also comes into the game in good form after bagging a hat trick in his last outing against Toronto FC. Both are expected to start on Wednesday.

The Union are currently sitting in seventh place in the Eastern Conference but have excelled in the Concacaf competition.

LAFC

After winning the MLS Cup for the first time in franchise history last year, LAFC have made a decent start to the season as holders. They currently sit third in the Western Conference, just a point off league leaders St. Louis.

Most impressively, they are the only team in MLS who are yet to lose a game this season. They success has been built on the back of an imperious defence that has conceded a division-low six goals in eight matches.

Last weekend they beat city rivals LA Galaxy to restate their reputation as the top side in the city. After the game LAFC star Carlos Vela said: “I feel like we showed many times we are better than them.”

Philadelphia Union vs LAFC: prediction

The visitors come into the game in better form but the trip to Philadelphia will make things difficult for the reigning MLS Cup champions. LAFC’s famous 3252 supporters group is unlikely to make the trip to the east but the squad certainly has more quality on paper.

We’re going for a narrow LAFC victory, thanks in part to their miserly defensive record.

Prediction: Philadelphia Union 0-1 LAFC