Philadelphia Union Dealing With COVID Outbreak Ahead of Conference Final

Nov 20, 2021; Chester, PA, USA; A general view before a round one MLS Playoff game between the New York Red Bulls and Philadelphia Union at Subaru Park. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 20, 2021; Chester, PA, USA; A general view before a round one MLS Playoff game between the New York Red Bulls and Philadelphia Union at Subaru Park. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /
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There is big news out of Philadelphia today, as Union coach Jim Curtin announced that there has been an apparent COVID outbreak within the squad.

Per Curtin, “There’s been a lot of emotion, uniqueness this week — we were unable to train yesterday due to players going in health & safety protocols of MLS. We were able to return today. We will follow league protocol with hope of having as many players as possible for Sunday.”

Details about the extent of the outbreak are yet to be reported, but based on Curtin’s words it appears that there may be players missing for Sunday’s massive match with a spot in the MLS Cup Final on the line.

Most importantly, we wish anyone impacted on the Union a fast recovery. With New York City FC facing squad limitations of their own due to injuries and the suspension to Taty Castellanos, there is a great deal of uncertainty as to who will line up at Subaru Park for both sides.

Teams do not typically make it this far in the MLS season without showing a great strength of depth, and that appears to be paramount for both teams heading into the conference final. We will have more when we hear it on who may be missing for both sides.