Philadelphia's Harriel refuses to undermine injury-hit NYCFC

Philadelphia Union defender Nathan Harriel insisted that they will not undermine New York City FC in their MLS Eastern Conference semi-final, despite their injury troubles.

The Union knocked out the Chicago Fire in two games in the first round while NYCFC beat Charlotte FC 2-1 in their three-game series, with their only loss coming via a penalty shootout.

However, New York have been handed a massive blow after top scorer Alonso Martinez (19 goals) tore his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) during the international break with Costa Rica.

NYCFC have managed just five wins in the 18 MLS matches in which Martinez did not play or didn’t score this season, compared to winning 14 of the 19 in which he did.

Harriel believes Philadelphia must still be wary of the threat NYCFC pose, especially after they beat Charlotte in both away games in the previous round.

"You know, they had to go on the road and win two games in Charlotte on the road in the playoffs, so we know they are dangerous away from home, even with the injuries. You never want that, you know," said Harriel.

"But we still understand that they are a very dangerous team. They have a lot of quality on the ball.

"The game at home for the Supporters' Shield game was really edgy, really fighty, like all the other times we've played them in playoffs or in big game situations.

"So it'll be a good fight, good test. But being at home will be extremely helpful with our fans."

NYCFC finished fifth in the East, 10 points behind Philadelphia, and possessed the sixth-best away record in the conference this season.

They conceded just once across their two away games against Charlotte in the first round, while scoring four times in their three-match series.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Philadelphia Union – Tai Baribo

Tai Baribo scored twice in Game 2 after recording an assist in Game 1 of Philadelphia's first-round sweep of Chicago.

Baribo is the first player in Union history to contribute to three goals in a single postseason.

New York City FC – Nicolas Mercau

With Martinez sidelined for the visitors, Nicolas Mercau will look to help NYCFC produce a shock win over Philadelphia.

Mercau has scored five times in 14 games since joining the club from Elche in the summer, including two goals in their Game 3 win over Charlotte last time out.

MATCH PREDICTION – PHILADELPHIA UNION WIN

This will be the fourth postseason meeting between Philadelphia and NYCFC, with the latter winning the first two (2018 and 2021) and the Union recording a win in the most recent meeting, a 3-1 victory in the 2022 conference final.

Philadelphia are unbeaten in their last four home playoff matches (W3, D1 before a penalty shoot-out win). In fact, the Union’s only loss in their seven home playoff matches since 2021 was a 2-1 defeat to New York City FC in the 2021 conference final.

NYCFC have won six of their last seven road matches overall dating back to late July, but the only match they failed to win was a 1-0 defeat at Philadelphia in October.

OPTA WIN PROBABILITY

Philadelphia Union – 51.6%

Draw – 24.7%

New York City FC – 23.8%