Both teams come into this match with vastly different coaching circumstances. For the Union, they have one of the most stable coaches in MLS who know how to get a team to the finals, but just not win them…yet. For Xolos, Miguel Herrera comes in with his first real opportunity to showcase the team he built in the offseason and start his attempt to turn the club’s fortunes around.
Philadelphia’s form has been a bit uneven in its last five matches heading into Leagues Cup 2023 (3-0-2) but should still be the favorite against a Xolos side still early in their season (1-1-1).
East Group 1: What’s at stake?
Philadelphia Union are the heavy favorites in the group and should win it fairly easily. If they don’t win the group, or (gasp) not make it out of the group stage, it will be an embarrassment for a club that has recently been among the best in MLS. The stakes aren’t quite as high for Xolos, but Herrera will likely be desperate to show he can be the one to turn the club’s fortunes around and this is the perfect chance to do it before getting back into the LIGA MX season.
Club Querétaro is just kind of…there. Dead last in the LIGA MX aggregate table, if the club can scratch out a result in either of its two matches, it will be a major victory.
Kickoff time and how to watch Philadelphia Union vs Club Tijuana
The clubs will kickoff on Saturday, July 22, in Chester, Penn. at Suburu Park, starting at 8:00 pm ET (6:30 p.m. in Mexico City). The game will be broadcast on Apple TV+ in the United States and Mexico.