The Philadelphia Union is gearing up for its 2023 preseason. The club recently announced details regarding its annual trip to Clearwater, Florida, and seven preseason matches to prepare for a hectic 2023 season.
The Union will start their preseason camp this coming Monday, Jan. 9, in Chester, PA. The boys will be back to start their preparations for the hectic season. After a week's worth of fitness and training, Philadelphia will travel to Clearwater, Florida, for the rest of their preseason.
Here's a look at the preseason schedule:
Date
Event
Jan. 16
Team Departs for Clearwater, Florida
Jan. 21, 12 p.m. ET
Scrimmage vs. opponent TBA (IMG Academy, Bradenton)
Jan. 24, 4 p.m. ET
Scrimmage vs. St. Louis City SC (Florida Gulf Coast University, Ft. Myers)
Jan. 27, 11 a.m. ET
Scrimmage vs. Minnesota United FC (University of Central Florida, Orlando)
Feb. 5, 12 p.m. ET
Scrimmage vs. New England Revolution (Premier Sports Campus, Sarasota)
Feb. 10, 12 p.m. ET
Scrimmage vs. FC Cincinnati (Joe DiMaggio Sports Complex, Clearwater)
Feb. 14, 2 p.m. ET
Scrimmage vs. opponent TBA (Al Lang Stadium, St. Pete)
Feb. 18, 11 a.m. ET
Scrimmage vs. Colorado Rapids (Champions Gate Sports Complex, Orlando)
Feb. 18
Team Returns to Market
Feb. 25, 7:30 p.m. ET
Start of the 2023 MLS Season (Home opener vs. Columbus Crew)
Schedule provided by Philadelphia Union
The team will call Clearwater home for a month between Jan. 16 and Feb. 18. During that time, the team will be focusing on coming together and pushing to be successful in four major competitions (MLS, CCL, US Open Cup, Leagues Cup). The goal has been set to play 50+ games this year. To do this, the Union will need to be advance far in each competition.
Philly set to play seven matches in 29 days
There's no better test for fitness and quality on the pitch like an actual game. This could be why the Philadelphia Union has scheduled seven matches to be played in a month's worth of time ahead of their most busy season of play ever. There will be times this year where Philadelphia will have to play five, six, or even seven matches in a month's worth of time. Preparing for this in January and February could be just what is needed to get this club ready for constant fixtures.
The Union are set to play seven matches, five of which are against MLS teams, and two are still to be determined. The club has said that most matches will be behind closed doors, but their match against FC Cincinnati on Feb. 10 will be open to the public. There's no word on any streaming information just yet, but I'd assume a few of these matches will be viewable for fans.
The Philadelphia Union are preparing for their most frenzied season yet, and preparations begin Monday. Will this team be able to prepare and come running out of the gate on Feb. 25? Only time will tell.
