The Eastern Conference of Major League Soccer is heating up, and the race for the playoffs is on! In this article, we will take a look at two teams that are battling it out for first place: Philadelphia Union and New York City FC. Both teams have had impressive seasons so far, but only one can come out on top. Let’s take a closer look at their stats and see who has the advantage.
Philadelphia vs NYCFC
The Philadelphia Union are a professional soccer team based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. They were formed in 2008 and have been members of the Eastern Conference since their inaugural season. The Union play their home games at Subaru Park, which has a capacity of 18,500 fans.
New York City FC is a professional soccer team based in New York City. They were founded in 2013 and have also been members of the Eastern Conference since their inaugural season. New York City FC play their home games at Yankee Stadium, which has a capacity of 54,451 fans.
While a quick look at each team’s home stadium might make it seem like NYCFC has a big advantage in the event of a home game for them, don’t count the Union out just yet. Philly’s passionate fans have been known to pack Subaru Park and create a hostile environment for visiting teams, and they are also known to travel well. So, home field advantage may not come into play as strongly as one may think.
Now that we’ve taken a look at each team’s history and home field advantage, let’s take a look at their stats so far this season.
Closer Look at Their Statistics
The Philadelphia Union have played 22 games so far this season and have a record of 11 wins, 2 losses, and 9 draws. They have scored 34 goals and conceded 15 goals, giving them a goal differential of +19. The Union are currently in first place in the Eastern Conference with 42 points, however New York City FC are very close behind.
New York City FC have played 21 games this season and have a record of 12 wins, 4 losses, and 5 draws. They have scored 41 goals and conceded 21 goals, giving them a goal differential of +20. NYCFC are in second place in the Eastern Conference with 41 points, right behind the Union.
As we can see from their stats, both teams have been very successful this season and are separated by just one point. It is clear that this will be a close race to the finish line!
Who Will Win the Eastern Conference?
It’s hard to say for sure, but if you’re heading to your favorite online sportsbook with intention of making a prediction, it might be wise to give the edge to Philadelphia Union. They have been slightly more consistent this season and have a very strong home field advantage. However, New York City FC should not be counted out, as they have shown that they are capable of winning close games.
The Union has a stronger defense, which will limit what NYC can do on offense, but they shouldn’t be counted out so quickly. Both teams average just above 1.9 points per game, which means it will be a close one all the way to the end.
Only time will tell who will come out on top in this battle for first place. Be sure to catch the next Union vs NYC game.
Final Thoughts
It is clear that both the Philadelphia Union and New York City FC are strong contenders for the Eastern Conference title. They have both had impressive seasons so far and are separated by just one point. The Union have a slightly more consistent record and a strong home field advantage, but NYCFC should not be counted out.