Philadelphia–Real Salt Lake looks like a test of how two refreshed squads actually fit together. The Union say five starters are back from national-team duty; RSL list several returnees and two attackers who may be available after injuries. That gives both coaches more options, but the first choice of players—and how quickly they click—matters more to me than the return list itself.
Philadelphia’s club preview says Frankie Westfield, Neil Pierre and Cavan Sullivan are among its returning players. RSL’s preview says Luca Moisa, Colin Guske, Saba Lobjanidze and JuanMa Sanabria are back, while Zach Booth could be available and Ariath Piol is nearing a return. RSL’s previous league game ended in a win over New England, but the club says it is still seeking another away win. I’ll watch how its returning wide and midfield options connect when Philadelphia close space, and whether the Union can keep their own shape with the returning starters.
