The Philadelphia Union, whose mid-season struggles are suddenly a thing of the past, take on Mexican club Cruz Azul in their Leagues Cup group stage finale.
A brutal stretch of poor results through May and June have left the Union in a dogfight for an MLS playoff position, but they seem to have turned things around of late, winning their last two league games before the break and emerging victorious from their opening Leagues Cup match.
It leaves Philadelphia at the top of the standings and holding a guaranteed knockout spot, while Cruz Azul must secure a point in this match to advance.
The Sporting News looks at the key details ahead of this game, including how to watch the match, kickoff times and the latest lineup news.
Philadelphia Union vs. Cruz Azul free live stream
- TV channel: FS1, UniMas
- Streaming: Fubo, MLS Season Pass (free)
This game is available to watch for FREE on MLS Season Pass from Apple TV.
As a result, anyone with Apple TV can watch the match, regardless of whether they have an MLS Season Pass subscription.
Those with a subscription to MLS Season Pass from Apple TV can access every single Leagues Cup game anywhere in the world, while some matches are made available for free.
Because the match is also televised on FS1 in the United States, the match can be streamed on Fubo, who are offering a free trial for new users.
What time does Philadelphia Union vs. Cruz Azul kick off?
This Leagues Cup group stage clash takes place at Subaru Park in Chester, Pennsylvania and kicks off on Sunday, August 4 at 8 p.m. local time.
Here’s how that time translates across the United States:
| Date | Kickoff time | |
| Eastern Time | Sun, Aug. 4 | 8:00 p.m. |
| Central Time | Sun, Aug. 4 | 7:00 p.m. |
| Mountain Time | Sun, Aug. 4 | 6:00 p.m. |
| Pacific Time | Sun, Aug. 4 | 5:00 p.m. |
Philadelphia Union vs. Cruz Azul lineups, team news
The Union’s recent return to form coincides perfectly with the return of legendary goalkeeper Andre Blake who came back from a lengthy knee injury in mid-July. The Union have won all three matches since he came back, having won just once in the 14 games he missed.
It leaves the Union almost fully fit, with the only fitness concern to 21-year-old full-back Isaiah LeFlore, who is dealing with a slight knee issue.
Philadelphia Union predicted XI (4-4-2 diamond, right to left): Blake (GK) — Mbaizo, Glesnes, Elliott, Wagner — Q. Suillivan, J. Martinez, Gazdag, Bedoya — Baribo, Adeniran.
Cruz Azul striker Georgios Giakoumakis is eager to prove to MLS clubs the league’s mistake in letting him go, as he departed Atlanta United mere weeks ago to join the Mexican club. He plays up top supported by a number of established Mexican internationals like Charly Rodriguez, Luis Romo and Uriel Antuna.
The only player missing for the Liga MX side is striker Gabriel Fernandez who is out with an ACL tear.
Cruz Azul predicted XI (4-3-3 right to left): Mier (GK) — J. Sanchez, Ditta, Piovi, Candido — Rivero, Romo, C. Rodriguez — Antuna, Giakoumakis, Rotondi.
Leagues Cup free live streams available this week
The following Leagues Cup group matches are all available to stream for free on MLS Season Pass from Apple TV.
Sunday, August 4
- Philadelphia Union vs. Cruz Azul (8 p.m. ET)
- Seattle Sounders vs. Necaxa (10:30 p.m. ET)
Monday, August 5
- FC Cincinnati vs. NYCFC (8 p.m. ET)
- Houston Dynamo vs. Real Salt Lake (9 p.m. ET)
- Toluca vs. Sporting KC (9 p.m. ET)
Tuesday, August 6
- New England Revolution vs. Nashville SC (7:30 p.m. ET)