New York Red Bulls vs Philadelphia Union Picks and Predictions August 16th 2025

Philadelphia Union vs New York Red Bulls – Picks and Predictions (August 16, 2025)

Fresh Off Late Scoring Strike, Union Visit Red Bulls in Rematch

Philadelphia Union and New York Red Bulls will meet for the second time in four days, this time in MLS play on Saturday night at Red Bull Arena in Harrison, NJ.

On Wednesday, the Union edged the Red Bulls 3-2 in the U.S. Open Cup quarterfinals thanks to Olwethu Makhanya’s dramatic 89th-minute winner. The weather-delayed match sent Philadelphia into the Sept. 16 semifinal against Nashville SC and boosted morale ahead of this league rematch.

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Philadelphia (15-5-6, 51 points) sits atop the Supporters’ Shield standings, holding a two-point lead over San Diego FC and FC Cincinnati. The Union are unbeaten in their last five MLS matches (3-0-2) and are riding a 16-match unbeaten run against the Red Bulls across all competitions (12-0-4).

New York (10-10-6, 36 points) is tied with Chicago for ninth in the Eastern Conference but trails on tiebreakers. A win at home could vault them back into playoff position as they try to extend their streak of postseason appearances dating back to 2010.

Match Information

• Sport: Soccer (MLS)
• Teams: Philadelphia Union vs New York Red Bulls
• Venue: Red Bull Arena, Harrison, NJ
• Date: Saturday, August 16, 2025
• Kickoff: 7:30 PM ET
• Betting Odds:
  • Union Moneyline: +172
  • Red Bulls Moneyline: +150
  • Draw: +215
  • Total Over 2.5: -120
  • Total Under 2.5: +100

The Union Can Win If…

Philadelphia needs to replicate the attacking energy that earned them three goals midweek. Daniel Gazdag and Julián Carranza remain key scoring threats, while the backline must stay compact to handle New York’s high press. The Union’s strong road form — plus their unbeaten streak against the Red Bulls — could be the deciding factor.

The Red Bulls Can Win If…

New York must turn home-field advantage into three points by pressing early and disrupting Philadelphia’s build-up play. Elias Manoel and Lewis Morgan will need to convert chances efficiently, especially given the Union’s defensive resilience. Avoiding lapses in the final minutes will be critical after Wednesday’s late heartbreak.

Key Stats Comparison

The Lean

The Union’s dominant record against the Red Bulls and current form make them tough to bet against. New York’s playoff desperation could make it a close contest, but Philadelphia’s attacking depth may tip the balance. Model projection: Union 2 – 1 Red Bulls.

• Pick: Philadelphia Union Moneyline (+172)
• Total Lean: Over 2.5 Goals (-120)