New England Revolution vs Philadelphia Union Picks and Predictions March 8th 2025

MLS Goal Leader Tai Baribo, Red-Hot Union Face Struggling Revolution

The Philadelphia Union will look to maintain their perfect start to the 2024 MLS season when they host a goal-starved New England Revolution squad on Saturday. With Tai Baribo in red-hot form, the Union are surging under new head coach Bradley Carnell, while the Revolution are still searching for their first goal of the campaign under Caleb Porter.

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Baribo’s Explosive Form Ignites the Union’s Attack

Tai Baribo has been the biggest story of the early MLS season, leading the league with five goals in just two matches. After struggling for minutes last year, Baribo capitalized on Julian Carranza’s summer departure and finished the 2023 season with nine goals. Now, he has emerged as the Union’s primary offensive weapon, spearheading their perfect start.

Philadelphia (2-0-0, 6 points) has embraced an aggressive yet structured style under Carnell, who replaced long-time coach Jim Curtin in November. Carnell credits Baribo’s form to the team’s collective approach rather than individual brilliance.

“I see the whole group, not just Tai specifically. They’re selfless and always looking to reward the next guy up. The harder these guys work, the more chances they create,” Carnell said.

Last week, Bruno Damiani made his mark as well, scoring in his MLS debut during the Union’s commanding 4-1 win over FC Cincinnati. With multiple attacking threats, Philadelphia appears poised to challenge the league’s top teams.

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New England’s Offensive Woes Continue

On the other hand, the Revolution (0-1-1, 1 point) have yet to find the back of the net this season. In their most recent match, they fell 1-0 at home to the Columbus Crew, struggling to create chances after conceding in the second half.

A controversial penalty call initially awarded to New England was overturned after a VAR review, further frustrating a team desperate for attacking success.

Despite their scoring struggles, the Revolution have made defensive improvements—a key focus for Porter after they conceded 74 goals last season, the second-worst record in MLS.

“We leave disappointed because we didn’t win, but we have to keep perspective. We’ve only been together six weeks, and our priority has been solidifying the defense,” Porter said. “Now, we need to find the right balance to create more chances.”

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Key Tactical Matchups to Watch

This clash presents an intriguing battle between a high-flying attack and a team prioritizing defensive stability.

• Tai Baribo vs. New England’s Defense – Can the Revolution contain the league’s most in-form striker?
• Philadelphia’s High Press – The Union have embraced an aggressive defensive approach that simultaneously fuels their attack. New England must find ways to bypass it.
• Revolution’s Attacking Struggles – Will New England finally break its scoring drought, or will Philadelphia’s defense continue to dominate?

Prediction

Given Philadelphia’s momentum and New England’s struggles in front of goal, the Union enter as clear favorites. Unless the Revolution can unlock their attack, Baribo and company could extend their winning streak in convincing fashion.

Match Date: Saturday, March 9
Venue: Subaru Park, Philadelphia
Kickoff Time: TBD

This showdown is a must-watch as the Union aim to stay perfect while the Revolution fight to turn their season around.