Philadelphia Union vs CF Montreal: Sullivan’s Hot Streak

Philadelphia UnionPHI

D. Jean Jacques 58'
C. Sullivan 75'

Major League Soccer

2–0

Full Time

HT 0–0

Subaru Park

Chester, Pennsylvania

CF MontrealMON

AI ForecastsGraded

Philadelphia Union come into this clash unbeaten in their last five at home and having scored in every one of their last ten matches across all competitions, a run built on an aggressive high press and a 4-4-2 shape that generates shots in volume. CF Montreal are statistically…

Match ResultHome Win60%

6 more forecasts lockedSign in to see them

High-confidence forecasts have landed 74% of the time this season, over 2,080 graded calls. Track record →

Live ForecastBetaPRO

Re-forecast the moment the match changes: every goal, every red card, and at half-time.

Match Stats

Top Stats

3.00xG1.21

51%Possession49%

19 (8)Shots (on target)5 (2)

3Big Chances Created1

Attacking Play

2.26xG on Target1.25

1.37Expected Assists (xA)0.50

71Final Third Entries52

35Penalty Area Entries17

Possession & Passing

435 · 72%Passes (accuracy)423 · 77%

6Corners1

24Poss. Won — Def 3rd22

24Poss. Won — Mid 3rd25

Duels & Pressing

43 (50%)Duels Won43 (50%)

12 (52%)Aerial Duels Won11 (48%)

56Ball Recoveries54

10.1PPDA (Pressing)19.3

Defending & Discipline

2Saves6

15Fouls8

+1.25Goals Prevented+0.26

Philadelphia Union vs CF Montreal: Sullivan’s Hot Streak

Updated Sat 5 Sept

Philadelphia Union face CF Montreal in MLS Matchday 23 on Saturday night, with both sides locked on 21 points and chasing a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. The Union are unbeaten in their last three, while Montreal arrive with a depleted squad missing defender Brayan Ceballos to suspension.

Team News and Injury Latest

Philadelphia head coach will have to check on veteran midfielder Alejandro Bedoya, who is listed as questionable with a knee issue. The big story, though, is teenage sensation Cavan Sullivan, who scored a wonder-goal in the 3-1 rout of Red Bull New York and followed it up with an early strike in the 1-1 draw at Austin. Centre-back Neil Pierre has also stepped up during this run, earning plaudits for his performances.

CF Montreal are significantly short-handed. Brayan Ceballos serves a suspension, while Frankie Amaya, Efrain Morales and Josh‑Duc Nteziryayo are all out with lower-body injuries. That robs manager Philippe Eullaffroy of several defensive options. Chilean icon Alexis Sánchez has joined the club but is yet to find his rhythm after two quiet appearances. The attacking burden will fall on Prince Owusu, who has 13 goals this season from 50 shots.

Union Building Momentum

After a difficult campaign, Philadelphia have found their footing. The thumping of the Red Bulls was followed by a gritty point in Austin under brutal Texas heat, with Sullivan cancelling out an early deficit. Those results, together with a 2-2 draw against Inter Miami, mean the Union are unbeaten in three and beginning to claw themselves towards the playoff line. The home crowd will expect them to make it four without defeat against a visiting side they beat twice in 2025.

Montreal’s Struggles on the Road

Montreal’s last five league outings have produced only one victory – a 2-1 win at Columbus – alongside draws with LA Galaxy, D.C. United and New England, and a home loss to Inter Miami. Defensive lapses have been a recurring theme; they have kept just one clean sheet in that stretch. Without the suspended Ceballos and injured Amaya, patching together a backline that can contain Sullivan’s movement becomes an immediate challenge.

Key Battle: Sullivan vs a Makeshift Defence

Sullivan’s rise is the biggest storyline entering this contest. The 16-year-old’s ability to drift into pockets and finish with composure has already generated talk of a senior USMNT call-up. With Ceballos unavailable and Morales sidelined, Montreal’s rearguard could be forced into late adjustments, giving Sullivan and the Union attack clear openings. How Eullaffroy shuffles his defence may decide whether the visitors can leave with a result.

A victory would nudge either side closer to the top nine. Philadelphia travel to New England next weekend, while Montreal return home to host Orlando City.