The pressure is about to rise yet further in the MLS is Back Tournament Knockout Stage presented by Audi. The quarterfinals kick off on Thursday as the tournament in Orlando rapidly approaches its conclusion, when one team will walk away with a Concacaf Champions League place, a trophy and chunk of prize money to boot.
Quarterfinal matchups
Here's a look at each of the quarterfinal matchups:
Philadelphia vs. Sporting
Thursday, July 30 (8 pm ET | ESPN, ESPN Deportes in US; TSN, TVAS in Canada)
Two of the dark horses coming into Orlando, it has not been easy for Philadelphia and Sporting. The Union did collect seven points during the group stage, but they did so with just a +2 goal differential. They were able to grind out a result in the Round of 16, but will likely to put on a more convincing performance in the quarterfinals. Sporting started out the tournament with a loss but finished the group stage with two wins, taking the top spot in Group D. Peter Vermes' team almost saw themselves become victims to the biggest upset in the tournament, but Tim Melia saved the day to help his side win in a PK shootout in the Round of 16.
Philadelphia: The Union have plenty of talent going forward, not least in rising star Brenden Aaronson, but it was the team's defensive qualities, led by young center back Mark McKenzie, that took center stage in a gritty 1-0 win over the New England Revolution in the Round of 16. From back to front, there is strength throughout the team and even when things break down goalkeeper Andre Blake has been at his brilliant best during the tournament. Both before and throughout the MLS is Back Tournament, head coach Jim Curtin has not shied away from his team's ambitions to join the true elite in MLS. Still undefeated in 2020 and now into the final eight in Orlando, they are on the verge of doing exactly that.
Sporting: SKC started 2020 with two impressive wins. They started MLS is Back with a shocking loss, losing a 1-0 lead after a late Tim Melia red card but managed to bounce back in the final two matches of the group stage to win the group. Sporting entered their Round of 16 matchup against Vancouver Whitecaps FC as heavy favorites due to the absences and injuries the 'Caps were dealing with. They managed to dominate the match, but couldn't find the back of the net and had to rely on Melia to save them in a PK shootout. Alan Pulido will be champing at the bit to get back on the scoresheet, as he's coming off his first game in a Sporting jersey without a goal or assist.
Series history: The most famous matchup between the two sides came in the final of the 2015 U.S. Open Cup. It took place at Subaru Park in Chester and Sebastien Le Toux opened the scoring in the 23rd minute. Krisztian Nemeth equalized in the 65th minute, which led to a penalty-kick shootout. Sporting prevailed 7-6 as the Union dropped their second straight Open Cup final at home and Sporting took home their third Open Cup title. In their all-time series, the two sides each have six wins with five matches ending in draws.
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MLS is Back Tournament Quarterfinals: Early preview of all four matches - MLSsoccer.com
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