Charlotte faces Philadelphia Union in key MLS playoff race game

Charlotte Soccer Club will play the Philadelphia Union this Saturday afternoon at 2:30, a match important for both teams' chances to secure a playoff spot, according to The Reporter Online.

Philadelphia Union interim manager Ryan Richter has led the team through 14 unbeaten games, lifting them to sixth place in the Eastern Conference with 45 points, just behind Charlotte's 46 points, reported Daily Local.

The Union are currently on an eight-game winning streak, close to tying the MLS post-shootout record for consecutive league wins, a record Charlotte holds with nine straight wins late last season, Reading Eagle noted.

Richter emphasized focusing on the upcoming game itself rather than the streaks or records, stating the team must prepare to perform well against Charlotte, regardless of recent results, as covered by multiple sources.

The Union could clinch a playoff spot by Sunday evening depending on their result and outcomes of other matches involving D.C. United and Cincinnati, marking the significance of this weekend's games, according to the reports.