MLS returns after a three-week international break with 13 fixtures from Friday, June 18, through Sunday, June 20. All eyes are on Atlanta United and the Philadelphia Union, who will clash at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on Sunday.
Atlanta United vs. Philadelphia Union preview
Atlanta United and the Philadelphia Union will serve as a pre-game show for basketball fans in Atlanta and Philly before game seven of the NBA Eastern Conference playoff semifinal game between the Hawks and the 76ers set to tip-off Sunday night.
The year 2021 has been a heated one between the Five Stripes and the U. The two Eastern Conference sides met at the CONCACAF Champions League two-legged quarterfinals in late April, early June.
Jim Curtin’s Philadelphia Union defeated Gabriel Heinze’s Atlanta United 4-1 in aggregate after a 3-0 win in Atlanta and a 1-1 draw in Philly. Heinze, who at the time had managed less than five competitive games with his new MLS side, did not want to shake Curtin’s hand because of his team’s alleged antics. As a result, Philadelphia’s manager slammed Heinze in a post-match after the second leg.
Competition. Nothing better than it.
— Taylor Twellman (@TaylorTwellman) May 5, 2021
It’s a drug and those that have experienced it, crave it. Good on Jim Curtin for being transparent about the whole thing and I’m fine with Heinze being “sore”, he’s not the 1st. #DOOP #UniteAndConquer #MLS #SCCL21pic.twitter.com/STK5fb1HTB
Sunday will mark the first time these two managers and team face-off since their CONCACAF Champions League tie.
In terms of current form, Atlanta finds itself in 10th place in the Eastern Conference with 10 points after two wins, four draws and one loss. On the other hand, Philadelphia is in third place with 14 points after four wins, two draws and two losses. It is evident that the conference table is tight as four points separate the two sides.
Philadelphia and Atlanta will each be missing their Venezuelan internationals due to Copa America:
- Jose “El Brujo” Martinez – Philadelphia Union
- Josef Martinez – Atlanta United
How to watch Atlanta United vs. Philadelphia Union on June 20, 2021
Match details, result and original broadcast info
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