Union Playing for History and Momentum in Season Finale
The Philadelphia Union are set to wrap up their regular season with a crucial matchup against Charlotte FC this Saturday. While both teams have already secured playoff berths, the Union still have plenty left to play for as they aim to build momentum heading into the postseason.
With a win, the Union could make history by setting a new franchise record for points in a single season. They currently sit at 62 points, just one shy of the 2021 squad's high-water mark. More importantly, a strong performance could give the Union valuable confidence and rhythm as they prepare for the MLS Cup Playoffs.
"We're playing for history, but we're also playing to carry that momentum into the playoffs," said Union captain Alejandro Bedoya. "This is our last chance to fine-tune things before the real season starts."
The Union's playoff positioning is already secure, as they've clinched a top-four seed in the Eastern Conference. However, the result against Charlotte could impact their first-round opponent and home-field advantage.
Youngsters Earn National Team Looks
In other Union news, a pair of the club's academy products have been called up to the U.S. U-15 National Team camp. Midfielders Caleb Chabala and Jaxson Fulmer will join the youth national team for a training camp in Chula Vista, California later this month.
The call-ups are a testament to the strength of the Union's youth development system, which has become one of the most prolific in MLS. Both Chabala and Fulmer have already made appearances for the Union's USL League One affiliate, showing their potential to eventually break into the first team.
"It's a great honor for Caleb and Jaxson to earn these national team opportunities," said Union Sporting Director Ernst Tanner. "It's a reflection of the quality we're developing in our academy, and we're excited to see what the future holds for these young players."
TL;DR
- The Philadelphia Union are playing their regular-season finale against Charlotte FC, with a chance to set a new franchise points record.
- A strong performance could provide the Union with valuable momentum heading into the MLS Cup Playoffs, where they've already secured a top-four seed.
- Two Union academy products, Caleb Chabala and Jaxson Fulmer, have been called up to the U.S. U-15 National Team camp, highlighting the strength of the club's youth development.