Philadelphia Union vs Sporting KC 7/30/20 - MLS Picks & Predictions

In the first quarterfinal matchup of the MLS is Back Tournament on Thursday, the Philadelphia Union face off against Sporting Kansas City. Philadelphia had two wins and one draw during its group stage to earn 7 points but had just a +2 goal differential winning by the minimum in each of their two victories. Philadelphia Union went on to defeat New England 1-0 in their round of 16 matchup on Saturday.

Sergio Santos scored the only goal of the match in the 63rd minute of a defensive struggle. The goal was the first for Santos since March 8 during the second regular season match for Philadelphia prior to the covid-19 break of four months for the MLS. Andrew Blake played very well in goal for Philadelphia, making five saves to record a second consecutive clean sheet for the Union.

Sporting Kansas City lost its opening match of the group stage but with two consecutive victories that followed was able to reach the round of 16 as the top club in Group D. However, things were slightly different and almost embarrassing for Sporting KC in the round of 16 as they needed a penalty shootout to defeat the lowly Vancouver Whitecaps. Gianluca Busio scored in the fourth round of penalty kicks to clinch the win for Sporting KC 3-1. Ilie Sanchez and Alan Pulido also scored during the penalty shootout for Kansas City.

Head-to-head could not be any closer between Philadelphia Union and Sporting Kansas City. In 17 matches played between the two, Philadelphia Union has won six, Sporting KC has won six and five have ended in draws. In those 17 matches, Philadelphia has scored 22 goals and Sporting KC has scored 20.