Philadelphia vs. New York City MLS Picks: Union to Bounce Back From Opening Night Defeat? (Mar 1)

Published Feb 24, 4:51am ET by

Alex Dudley - Betting Preview Analyst and Sports Writer

Last updated Feb 24, 4:51am ET

Pick status
MLS action is set for Subaru Park on March 1. Find the odds and our Philadelphia vs. New York City picks here.

Credit: Shutterstock

Updated Feb 24, 4:51am ET

  • Philadelphia Union suffered an opening night loss
  • New York City FC held to a 1-1 draw last weekend against LA Galaxy

The MLS action continues this weekend, as the second round of matches features Philadelphia vs. New York City. Find the odds and our picks for the clash at Subaru Park here.

Philadelphia will be aiming to bounce back from their opening night loss, as they were beaten on the road by D.C. United.

New York made a promising start to the campaign after drawing, but they will need to improve their offensive style if they are to challenge for a playoff spot.

Philadelphia vs. New York City FC Overview Watch On: Apple TV

DATE & TIME

Sunday, March 1, 2026 @ 4:30 PM ET
Philadelphia
Subaru Park, Philadelphia
New York City FC
GAME ODDS
BetOnline
Philadelphia -121
The Draw +266
NYCFC +335

Union Aiming to Recover

Bradley Carnell will be hoping that his talented Philadelphia Union side will be able to respond this weekend following a disappointing loss on opening night in the MLS.

It was a frustrating trip to D.C. United for the Union, highlighted by the sending off of Ezekiel Alladoh in the second period. Philadelphia struggled to get their passing game going, and were restricted to few scoring opportunities, recording just two shots on target.

They will need to show more creativity this weekend if they are to get a first win on the board at the second time of asking.

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Possible Lineup
(4-4-2) Blake (GK); Harriel, Makhanya, Sery, Sundstrom; Iloski, Jacques, Bueno, Vassilev; Damiani, Bedoya

NYCFC Chasing First Win of 2026

New York City FC also endured a frustrating start to the MLS season, as Pascal Jansen’s side were fortunate to capitalize on a red card for the LA Galaxy to take a 1-1 draw on opening night.

NYCFC were outplayed for much of the game in California, struggling to create many clear scoring chances from open play. Fortunately, they were handed an opportunity to snatch a point from the penalty spot, with Nicolas Fernandez converting. In total, they managed just a single shot on target in the draw, despite having 61% of the possession.

A more clinical approach will be required if they are to claim a first win of the season this Sunday.

Possible Lineup
(5-4-1) Freese (GK); Gray, Gustavo, Martins, Trewin, O’Toole; Fernandez, Morales, O’Neill, Wolf; Ojeda
Philadelphia vs. NYCFC Head-to-Head Record
TOTAL Philadelphia NYCFC DRAWS
Games 28 13 13 2
Goals 80 42 38

Philadelphia vs. New York City Picks

Both of these sides looked short in offensive areas in their opening game of the season. Therefore, we could foresee a low-scoring draw being played out between the Eastern Conference rivals on Sunday.

Pick
The Draw
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