Philadelphia Union face Charlotte FC in League Cup 2024

The Philadelphia Union are ready to start their 2024 Leagues Cup campaign against Charlotte FC. In 2023, the inaugural year of the tournament, Jim Curtin's side had a remarkable run, finishing third overall. They were only beaten by Inter Miami, who eventually became champions, in a home semi-final. Despite a difficult start to the summer, the Philadelphia Union managed to regain the momentum needed for another strong showing in the Leagues Cup.

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Union striker Tai Baribo expressed the importance of this momentum: “I think the momentum is very important for the team - we've started to look good and we've scored a lot of goals, so I think that gives us momentum to be successful at the end of the season and in the League Cup,” Baribo said of the recent winning streak.

The fans and the atmosphere in the dressing room have improved significantly, reflecting the team's renewed confidence. Baribo stressed that, even during the losing streak, faith in the squad was never lost: “When we were losing, everyone was sad because we didn't win, but no one lost faith. So we kept believing in ourselves and, of course, the atmosphere is good when we win.”

Their opening opponents, Charlotte FC, are already old acquaintances. The two teams have met twice this season. The first meeting ended in a goalless draw away from home at the Bank of America Stadium over the Memorial Day weekend. However, when Philadelphia hosted Dean Smith's side at Subaru Park, the visitors came out on top with a 2-0 victory, leaving the Union with a bitter taste in their mouths. This time around, the Union have the presence of three-time Goalkeeper of the Year Andre Blake, and the team is healthier than it has been in months. The only expected absentees are Nate Harriel and Jack McGlynn, who are in France representing the United States at the Paris Olympics.

While the preparation for the two group stage opponents is distinct, given that Charlotte FC is a familiar opponent and Cruz Azul, from Liga MX, is an unknown, the Union's focus is completely on the match against Charlotte. “First of all, we're focusing on Charlotte because we play them first. After that, we'll be focused on Cruz Azul,” explained Baribo.

Charlotte FC, for their part, are on a great run of form, remaining unbeaten in three away games against FC Cincinnati, Columbus Crew and Austin FC. Dean Smith's side have shown resilience and quality, factors that will make life difficult for the Union.

The Leagues Cup, involving all the MLS and Liga MX teams, is a perfect platform for the Union to restart their season. The Union go into the game on the back of recent dominant wins over New England and Nashville SC, climbing to 10th place and just one point outside the playoff spots. On the other hand, Charlotte FC, who had an impressive run to the quarter-finals in the 2023 Leagues Cup, are looking to use the tournament as a springboard for success this season. Coach Dean Smith has the team in 6th place in the Eastern Conference, chasing the top four positions that guarantee home advantage in the playoffs.

Charlotte recently showed their strength on the road, beating FC Cincinnati 3-1, drawing 1-1 with Columbus Crew and 2-2 with Austin FC. The focus is now squarely on the Leagues Cup and the club's quest for its first trophy, starting with the match against the Philadelphia Union this Saturday.