The Philadelphia Union's Jeckel-and-Hyde season looks to continue tonight as they reenter the Concacaf Champions Cup (CCC) in a Round of 16 clash vs Club América.
Philly has played three MLS matches, scoring one goal from the penalty spot while conceding four. In two CCC games against the Trinidadian side Defence Force FC, the Union scored 12 goals and conceded none. Now, the Union faces a familiar foe in this competition, Club América. Can they use this match as a turnaround moment for their 2026, not even a month into the season?
The Union and Club América have played in Concacaf play once before. The two met in the 2021 semifinals, back when the tournament was called Concacaf Champions League. Now, in the Champions Cup, the two meet in an earlier round and at very different places. In 2021, both clubs were in the midst of successful seasons in their respective leagues. Even so, América pummeled Philly 2-0 at Estadio Azteca, and then did the same in the return leg in Chester. The Union lost 4-0 on aggregate, missing out on making the final of the competition.
Now, five years later, both clubs are coming off of great 2025 seasons, but have hit stumbling blocks in 2026. We all know Philly's struggles; they are trying to integrate new players through the spine of their team, which has not allowed for wins to flow early in MLS. The Liga MX giants are not at their usual top form either. Through 10 games in Liga MX since the start of the year, América has won just four, while losing four and drawing two. They sit in eighth place in the early-season standings, but something is clear: this is not the normal Club América coming to Chester.
Let's not get it twisted, Club América is still one of the best teams in Concacaf, they just have lost their spark as of late. Through 10 league games and two CCC matchups, América has only a +2 goal differential (scoring 13 and conceding 11). It's still a positive margin, but they have not blown out teams in many games so far in 2026. Five of their games have been one-goal matches; three have been 0-0 draws. The silver lining here for Union fans is that this upcoming match could be closer than many think.
Having said that, it wouldn't be surprising to see Club América blow the Union off the field in the first match of this two-leg tie. The Mexican giants love to play with the ball and use their 4-2-3-1 formation to provide width in their attack. Brian Rodríguez and Alex Zendejas are the danger-men. If they find space in the wide areas to fluster and beat Philly's press, we could see a bloodbath. Looking on the brighter side for the Union, they are essentially at full health moving into this match.
The Philadelphia Union doesn't have to worry about red cards, for now, or the early-season injury bug, and new signing Philippe Ndinga seems to be ready for selection. Head coach Bradley Carnell has a full-strength squad to choose from for this one. He will need to choose his best XI to get a result against the Liga MX side. Last time América came to Subaru Park, their fans turned the Soob into the Azteca in terms of atmosphere. If Philly can fluster them early, then this one might not get out of hand.
Speaking of what Carnell might do, I expect him to put all the chips on the table in this one. Against the Defence Force, we saw the Union utilize depth players and get massive wins. This time around, I'd expect to see a mostly starter-heavy lineup with the caveat of a certain 16-year-old.
GK: Blake
LB: Ndinga CB: Sery Larson CB: Makhanya RB: Harriel
DM: Lukic DM: Jean Jacques
AM: Iloski AM: C. Sullivan
ST: Alladoh ST: Damiani
If the Union comes out and plays their newest signing at left back and a defensive stalwart at right back, their strongest centerback pairing, defensive midfield, and striker pairings, as well as their most creative attacking midfielders, then Philly may have a chance to win their home leg against América.
With all of the struggles Philly has faced early on in 2026, this matchup over two legs has the potential to flip the early-season momentum around. Win the home leg and find a way to get a draw or better in Mexico, and the Union could be right back on track, knowing they can be a good-great MLS team.
This big matchup kicks off tonight at 7 pm. If you can't make it to the Soob for the match, catch the game on FS1, TUDN, or Fubo Sports. This game is very important to the two-leg tie. If the Union can get a win in the home leg, they could have the advantage going down to Mexico next week.
