Philadelphia vs Toronto – News and Probable Lineups

The Philadelphia Union can secure sixth position in Major League Soccer’s Eastern Conference with a victory on Saturday as they finish the 2026 regular season against Toronto at Subaru Park.

On Halloween, a narrow 1-0 loss to FC Cincinnati left Philly just a point above that team in the standings as they head into Decision Day, while Toronto’s hopes for postseason play ended with a 3-1 defeat to Atlanta United.

Match overview

A managerial change significantly improved the Union’s results this season, making them the first MLS club to qualify for the playoffs despite gathering only seven points from their initial 15 regular-season fixtures.

Since returning from the World Cup break, the squad has amassed 39 points in this league, contributing significantly to their playoff appearance for the tenth time.

Although Ryan Richter’s tenure as interim head coach has been mainly positive, the team has recently struggled, currently on a streak of four matches without a win.

If the team suffers consecutive defeats at Subaru Park this weekend, it would mark the first time under his management, having failed to secure victory in their last two home league encounters.

Winning on Saturday would ensure they finish the season with 50 points or more for the fifth time in the last six years.

At Subaru Park, the Union have achieved at least a point in their last six meetings against Toronto, scoring three or more goals in four of those contests.

While Toronto was in contention for the playoffs longer than usual, they are facing yet another season without post-season action.

Their loss last weekend means they have now missed out on the postseason for six consecutive years, although a point on Saturday would mark only the second time this decade they finish a regular season with 40 points.

Robin Fraser’s side could match their longest streak of away losses this season (three) if they lose on Saturday, having dropped three more MLS away matches this year (10) compared to last season.

Securing a victory this weekend would give them four away wins this season, exceeding their total from 2025.

Their issues on the road have been a recurring problem, with TFC allowing three or more goals in seven domestic games as visitors this year.

Toronto has not lost to Philly in five of their last six regular-season encounters, obtaining points in their previous two trips to Subaru Park.

Team News

Geiner Martinez’s availability for the Union on Saturday is uncertain due to a knee injury, as is Japhet Sery Larsen, who might be sidelined with a concussion. Milan Iloski has a hamstring issue, and Alejandro Bedoya is doubtful due to an eye injury.

Danley Jean Jacques is set to return from suspension, while Jovan Lukic and Jesus Bueno may both be rested, considering they are a caution away from suspension.

As for Toronto, Walker Zimmerman is dealing with an ankle strain, Nelson Palacio is questionable with a thigh injury, Kobe Franklin has a shoulder issue, and Alonso Coello will serve a suspension.

Lewis Morgan scored the only goal for Toronto against Atlanta United, while captain Jonathan Osorio reached a significant milestone as the first Reds player with 350 regular-season appearances, with Richie Laryea also celebrating 150 matches.

Philadelphia Union probable starting XI:

Blake; Westfield, Pierre, Harriel, Wagner; Q. Sullivan, Vassilev, Jean Jacques, Bender; Alladoh, Damiani

Toronto probable starting XI:

Gavran; Laryea, Kuscevic, Gomis, Pereira; Osorio, Cimermancic, Mihailovic, Etienne; Sargent, Corbeanu

The defensive challenges faced by the Reds have been a major issue throughout the season, and against a Union squad that has consistently scored multiple goals in seven home matches since August, we anticipate Philly will have the upper hand this weekend.