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Austin FC vs. Philadelphia Union Preview & Betting Odds

Charlie Zschau Published: 7 hours ago

Austin FC host the Philadelphia Union on Saturday, August 22nd in MLS.

Austin FC snapped a three-game winless run in MLS after the World Cup break with a 2-1 win over the Seattle Sounders on Wednesday. The team has struggled for form, but goalkeeper Brad Stuver has been immense this season, averaging 4.8 saves per game which leads all MLS goalkeepers.

Stuver will likely have to make a number of saves against a scorching hot Philadelphia Union team led by versatile forward Milan Iloski. Iloski has scored 10 goals and added two assists in 20 MLS games this season.

The Austin goalkeeper will not have to worry about 16-year-old wonderkid Cavan Sullivan, who is suspended for the game after receiving a red card against Inter Miami on Wednesday. Sullivan is set to join Manchester City in the Premier League when he turns 18.

Another teenager to watch for in Philadelphia is 6' 5", 18-year-old defender Neil Pierre. Pierre has scored three goals in his last five MLS games, proving to be a menace for defenders on set pieces.

Pierre and Sullivan are both U.S. Youth National Team players and will be on Mauricio Pochettino's radar ahead of the 2030 World Cup.

Although Pierre has been great, the Union has not kept a clean sheet in six straight games across all competitions. To reinforce the defense, the team is expected to confirm the signing of 27-year-old USMNT defender Mark McKenzie from Toulouse in the coming days. McKenzie made one appearance for the Americans at the 2026 World Cup, playing all 90 minutes in a loss to Turkiye.