Philadelphia Union v Charlotte FC: Match Preview and Betting Notes

Photograph Credit: Philadelphia Union

The Philadelphia Union are 0-0-5 and off to their worst start in Club history. Thankfully, a two-week break provided the Boys in Blue with much needed rest and time to reset. Now, with a trip to Charlotte, North Carolina on Saturday night, let's dive into this preview!

Hit the Reset Button

The Union may be out of CONCACAF Champions Cup, but they were still on short rest when the Chicago Fire came to town. After a promising second half in Mexico City, there was some hope that the Boys in Blue would earn a much needed win at home. Unfortunately, it was more of the same.

The Union were again the first team to let in a goal, and the backline was exposed on both of the Fire scores. Also, despite a goal from Milan Iloski, the Philly attack looked lifeless and uninspiring. I'm going to continue to add to my Shots on Target list I've been compiling until we see some progress. As you can see, Vassilev, Iloski, and Bueno earned shots on target, but once again, Bruno Damiani is no where to be found.

Union v Chicago Fire: 12 shot attempts, 3 shots on goal (1 Vassilev, 1 Iloski, 1 Bueno)

Union v Club America - Second Leg: 7 shot attempts, 2 shots on goal (1 Korzeniowski, 1 Bueno)

Union v Atlanta United: 14 shot attempts, 3 shots on goal (1 Ndinga, 1 Westfield, 1 Anello)

Union v Club America - First Leg: 12 shot attempts, 1 shot on goal (1 Westfield).

Union v San Jose: 13 shot attempts, 3 shots on goal (2 Vassilev, 1 Harriel).

Union v NYC: 16 shot attempts, 5 shots on goal (2 Harriel, 1 Vassilev, 1 Korzeniowski, 1 Anello)

Union at DC United: 12 shot attempts, 3 shots on goal (2 Iloski, 1 Anello)

Nothing seems to be working. Maybe it's the tired legs and travel, or maybe the players just aren't as good as we hoped. Either way, Alejandro Bedoya spoke with the media after the loss and was visibly frustrated. I've shared Todd Lewis' video below (reposted by Jose Nunez).

There's not much more to add to Bedoya's thoughtful and blunt response. This isn't good enough, but the team still has enough quality to turn it around. It's up to Carnell to figure it out now.

Charlotte FC Preview

Dean Smith's group is off to a solid start in 2026, and The Crown is currently in 4th place of the Eastern Conference with a 2W-2D-1L record. Charlotte kicked off their season with a 1-1 draw against St. Louis and a 3-0 defeat to the Galaxy. However, March has been kinder to them. Smith's crew earned a 3-1 result in Austin and then shutout Miami in a 0-0 draw. Lastly, the offense came to life on March 21st against New York. We'll dive into that 6-1 victory in just a few moments.

In the offseason, Charlotte looked to add to their core. Adilson Malanda is no longer with the Club, but The Crown added Henry Kessler, who recently spent time with St. Louis City. Unfortunately, Kessler recently picked up a hamstring injury, but he saw time with Crown Legacy FC this week for his rehab.

Charlotte continued to add to their defensive depth when they brought in David Schnegg during the winter. Schnegg recently spent time with DC United, where he logged 31 starts. Although Schnegg was used as a sub for Harry Toffolo in their match against New York, I imagine David will see some time as a starter throughout the year.

In the midfield, Charlotte's front office again looked in MLS to bolster their roster. Luca de la Torre spent time in La Liga with Celta de Vigo, but he was loaned to San Diego FC in 2025. Charlotte stepped in this Winter and purchased the San Diego native from Celta de Vigo, who came off the bench in the 6-1 result on the 21st. So far, he's started 2 of his 4 matches and earned an assist against Austin FC.

Between these additions, along with Zaha, Pep Biel, and Toklomati, the home side is deep, talented, and strong on both ends of the field. Pep Biel in particular caught my attention against New York. Sure, Charlotte may have benefited from a second half red card from the Red Bulls, but their first two goals came before the man advantage. Also, their third goal was off a set piece from Pep Biel. I've shared each of Charlotte's first three goals below.

First, Toklomati's goal was similar to what the Union saw against Club America. Each team earned a set piece from the side of the penalty box, and the service easily found the head of a charging player. I'm concerned that Pep Biel will find a similar result against Philly if he's given this type of chance.

Next, the goal from Vargas to make it 2-0 reminded me of Cuypers' goal against the Union in Chester. Robin Lod's pass allowed Gutman to get wide, and his cross into the box was finished well by Cuypers. For Charlotte, Pep Biel did well to service Diani down the left side, and his cross was easily settled and finished by Vargas.

We have seen the Union beaten from left to right a few times this season, and this goal from Charlotte is giving me some uneasy feelings...

Finally, one last nod to Pep Biel for his outstanding performance against New York. The red card was issued after a tough foul just outside the New York box. Pep Biel then stepped up and curved it around the wall to make it 3-0 (I wish someone on Philly could do that...). Like I said, this team is deep and can beat you in multiple ways. I expect Pep Biel to be a high impact player again on Saturday when Philly comes to town.

Player Availability and Betting Notes

For Charlotte, only Jack Neeley (lower body) is on their injury report, and he will miss Saturday night's match. For the Union, Agustin Anello is still out with a hamstring injury and will likely remain on the mend for a few more weeks. Quinn Sullivan is the only other Philly player on the injury report. Neither team will be missing a player for disciplinary purposes, but Wilfried Zaha is on yellow card accumulation warning. Lastly, Ezekiel Alladoh will be travelling with the team and we'll see how Carnell chooses to use his striker.

No surprise that the Union are road underdogs this weekend. Charlotte is listed as +115 on the moneyline, draw is +245, and Union victory is +205. Considering how the Union have been playing, I'm surprised that the Philly number isn't closer to +300, and that Charlotte is currently near even money.

Over 2.5 total goals is -120, which isn't a bad option to play considering the recent match history. Four goals were scored in Philly's game in Atlanta, while three were scored against Chicago. Also, Charlotte's contests have cleared 2.5 total goals in 3 of their 5 MLS games.

While we're focusing on goals, I want to revisit the First Goal option under Match Props. Prior to Chicago, I mentioned that the Union have given up the first goal in each of their matches (not including Defence Force, but including Club America). This bet was only +115 against Chicago, but it's more expensive vs Charlotte at -135. If the Union continue to struggle, then I expect this price to continue to climb, especially on the road. Frankly, I can't justify not placing this bet again, even at -135. I'll make this an official bet and continue to do so until the Union respond, or the price gets too steep.

Next, I hyped up Pep Biel too much not to include him in this section. It doesn't surprise me that he has the best odds to earn an assist on Saturday, with his 1+ Assist number at +255. I do think Charlotte scores at least once, and I expect Pep Biel to be involved with their scoring in some capacity. Also, his Score or Assist number is -110 if you choose to do that instead.

I will continue to fade the Union on this next play. I believe Toklomati and Zaha should each get a shot on target, with both at -265 and -255 respectively for 1+ Shot on Target. If you pair them together in a 2-leg parlay, the payout is -110. The Union have been picked apart by talented players like Almiron and Werner, and I expect more of the same on Saturday. I hope I'm proven wrong, and maybe Philly will do enough to keep them off the board. However, I expect both of these Charlotte attackers to test the Union goal at least once.

Lastly, let's look at Anytime Goal Scorers. Toklomati, Pep Biel, and Zaha are at +200, +230, and +255, respectively. For Philly, Damiani again finds himself with the best odds at +255, while Alladoh is +270. Considering their lack of shots on target this season, I wouldn't touch either player. I am curious to see who Carnell puts in his starting XI, as this will be the longest break in between games so far this season. If you want to take a Philly player ATG, I would probably wait until the lineups are announced to see what Carnell has up his sleeve.

Final Thought

The Philadelphia Union are in desperation mode. They need a win, or at least a road point in a tough environment. I do believe Carnell should remain the coach for the entire season. However, if the losses continue to pile up, then his seat will get hotter and hotter.

After the final whistle, hop on AAT Sports Network and join us for our Union post game show. You can rant in the comments and join our conversation. Doop!