The 2025 U.S. Open Cup competition has reached a critical juncture, bringing together two prominent clubs from Major League Soccer`s Eastern Conference for a highly anticipated quarterfinal match. The Philadelphia Union are set to host familiar foes, the New York Red Bulls, in a fixture scheduled to highlight the cup calendar.
This encounter is slated to take place on Wednesday evening at Subaru Park in Chester, Pennsylvania. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. Eastern Time. Notably, this will be the first instance this year that these regional rivals will compete against one another across all official competitions.
Both sides currently reside in the upper segment of the MLS Eastern Conference standings – the Union occupy the third position, while the Red Bulls are positioned in seventh place. However, their recent form in league play presents a somewhat contrasting narrative. The Philadelphia squad returns to their home ground having endured back-to-back losses in their most recent road trips, whereas the New York contingent arrives following a sequence of three consecutive draws in their MLS fixtures.
An analysis of the historical head-to-head record between these two clubs provides intriguing context. Over their last 14 meetings across various competitions, the Philadelphia Union have demonstrably held the upper hand, securing nine victories and five draws while suffering only a single defeat against the Red Bulls. This pattern of Union dominance is often coupled with matches characterized by tactical caution. Indeed, ten of the last eleven fixtures between these two sides have concluded with a total of fewer than 2.5 goals scored, suggesting a tendency for defensively oriented battles rather than high-scoring affairs.
Adding to the factors favoring the home side is the Union`s robust performance at Subaru Park this season. They have lost only one league match on their home turf, making it a difficult venue for visiting teams. Their journey to this quarterfinal stage in the U.S. Open Cup included a commanding 4-1 victory against Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC in the Round of 16, a result that underscores their capability to perform effectively in cup ties at home.
As the Philadelphia Union and New York Red Bulls prepare to renew their rivalry in the high-stakes environment of a cup quarterfinal, the stage is set for a compelling contest. The Union will aim to capitalize on their historical advantage and formidable home record, while the Red Bulls will seek to disrupt established trends and secure passage to the semifinal. The tactical approaches of both teams, particularly given the historical trend of low-scoring encounters, will be closely watched in this pivotal match.
