Philadelphia Union vs CF Monterrey Odds, Betting Prediction, Picks

Philadelphia Union vs CF Monterrey Predictions

Philadelphia Union will be infuriated after a shocking display against Inter Miami in the semifinals of the 2023 Leagues Cup, which eventually led to their elimination from the competition. The club were aiming to earn their first major trophy after losing out on the MLS title in 2022 and the US Open Cup in 2014, 2015, and 2018. However, a stellar seven-game unbeaten run came to a standstill after Inter Miami smashed four past the Union and secured their place in the final of the Leagues Cup.

The 2022 MLS runners-up were not the only ones who were frustrated in the semifinals. CF Monterrey saw their eight-game unbeaten streak end as they suffered a 2-0 defeat against Nashville SC. The five-time Liga MX champions were the last Mexican side left in the tournament and were amongst the top favorites to win the Leagues Cup. However, the side failed to deliver in the final third, lost control in the middle third, faltered in the defensive third, and failed to become the third Liga MX side to win the Leagues Cup.

The stakes will not be as high as they would have been if these two sides had clashed in the final of the tournament. Both teams will only play for pride, and a win will still be a priority for both clubs as it will help them gain some momentum before resuming their respective domestic leagues. Predicting the winner is a tough task in this fixture that features two of the best clubs from the US and Mexico. The game will be neck-and-neck, with Philadelphia Union edging in front with the home advantage.

As both clubs play in different domestic leagues, they have not faced each other in any competitive club competition in history. This will be the maiden clash between the two strong clubs, and it is expected to be a thrilling encounter even though it will only be a battle for third.

A trophy may have slipped through the hands of both clubs, but there is still an automatic qualification for the 2024 CONCACAF Champions Cup (previously known as Champions League) up for grabs. Although both sides are expected to qualify for the competition by performing well in their respective domestic leagues, it will take some pressure off the club that wins this encounter and confirms their Champions Cup presence.

CF Monterrey lifted their fifth Champions League title in 2021 and have a lot of experience in that competition. Philadelphia Union were eliminated in the semifinals this year and will be eager to try again in the next edition.

Philadelphia Union Faltering at Crucial Junctures  

Last season, in the MLS, Philadelphia Union came extremely close to lifting their first-ever piece of silverware. They lost only five out of 34 games all season and were level on points with Supporters Shield leaders Los Angeles FC.

The Union performed well in the playoffs before reaching the final and losing on penalties against Los Angeles FC. This season, the club was eliminated from the US Open Cup in the fourth round after they were dumped out of the Champions League in the semifinals.

In the Leagues Cup, a similar outcome infuriated the team. Yet again, the club has played well from the start of the campaign, only to falter in the final stages and end up without a trophy. This has become a concerning factor for the Union in recent years.

The Union Switched Off on Multiple Occasions  

In the game against Inter Miami, Philadelphia Union suffered an early blow as they conceded the opening goal after just three minutes. Almost five minutes after conceding, the hosts were presented with a great opportunity to equalize, but Daniel Gazdag fired it straight at the keeper.

At the other end, Andre Blake was quite bleak between the sticks as he conceded the second goal from long range. Lionel Messi struck a low shot from way outside the box, and it should have been dealt with, but the keeper could not get a strong hand on it.

Defensive Setup Needs Tweaking  

Philadelphia Union coach Jim Curtin has relied on a three-man defense in the competition, with two wing backs pacing down both flanks. There were concerns with the system in the quarterfinals, and since they were not addressed, Inter Miami exploited them and scored four.

Damion Lowe’s performance was subpar as he was substituted at half-time, as Curtin changed the formation. However, the damage was already done as the side had conceded three goals before the break. The second-half tactics were better and should be deployed in the next match.

CF Monterrey Need a Win Before Resuming Liga MX   

In the league stage of the last Clausura season, CF Monterrey were a force to reckon with as they finished six points clear at the top of the table. However, in the playoffs, they lost in the semifinals against their arch-rivals Tigres UANL, who went on to win the title.

In the latest Apertura season, the five-time Liga MX champions have an almost perfect start with two wins and a draw in three games. However, to keep that good run going, the team will need a fair bit of momentum, and that can come via a victory in their last Leagues Cup match.

Defeating Philadelphia Union in their own backyard is quite difficult, but Inter Miami proved that it is not impossible. In addition, CF Monterrey have already beaten strong MLS sides like Seattle Sounders and Los Angeles FC.

The Mexican Side Were Unfortunate to Not Get a Penalty  

Ten minutes into the second half, John Medina darted into the box from the right flank before Lukas MacNaughton brought him down in the penalty area. There was clear contact between the two players, and the spectators expected the referee to point toward the spot.

However, even after a thorough VAR check, the official asked the play to go on and did not award a penalty to the Mexican side. About ten minutes after that controversial decision, CF Monterrey conceded the opening goal of the game and eventually went on to lose 2-0.

Striker Needs to Make His Presence Felt

Rogelio Funes Mori has been a pivotal player for CF Monterrey since joining the club in 2015. He has made over 300 appearances for the club and scored over 150 goals. In the previous Clausura season, the 32-year-old scored 12 goals in 14 appearances.

Funes Mori has been quite ineffective in the Leagues Cup, as he has only scored once in four appearances. In the match against Nashville SC, the Mexican got the fewest touches of any outfield player. That will have to change against the Philadelphia Union.