Next Sunday, August 25, Subaru Park will host one of the most eagerly awaited soccer matches on the North American continent in 2023. No, it’s not a championship final, but the third-place match between Philadelphia Union and Colorado Rapids is more significant than the name “third place” suggests. This is because it’s about eligibility for the 2025 Concacaf Champions Cup. For Philadelphia Union, this means continuing an impressive series of successes. For Colorado Rapids, everything points to a victorious return to the continental stage.

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To truly understand what’s at stake here, we need to rewind and revisit the campaigns of the Philadelphia Union and Colorado Rapids in this year’s Leagues Cup. Perhaps one of the most compelling stories is how hard these teams had to fight to advance: overcoming adversity and beating strong opponents on the way to the top.

The Rapids, however, went on a remarkable run, knocking out four Liga MX teams – something no MLS team has ever accomplished in the tournament’s history. Perhaps the most exciting victory, however, came in the quarterfinal match, where Colorado defeated top-ranked Club América. Their dream of reaching the final was badly dashed by LAFC in the semifinals, with a 4-0 loss.

It was no picnic for Philadelphia Union either. After winning a thrilling match against Charlotte FC and drawing with Cruz Azul, Union showed its strength in the knockout rounds by defeating CF Montréal, FC Cincinnati and Mazatlán FC. But, as with Rapids, Union’s last hopes were dashed with a 3-1 loss to Columbus Crew.

Now these two giants meet in a match that should not be underestimated. The winner will secure more than just a bronze medal – namely the right to represent their city and their fans in the Concacaf Champions Cup, the most important club tournament in the region.

Union will be on the pitch looking to build on their winning streak in continental tournaments. If they win, it will be their third consecutive appearance in the Champions Cup – the premier event that continues to cement them as a rising force in North American soccer. They also have the return of Tai Baribo, the team’s top scorer in the Leagues Cup, which gives Jim Curtin’s team even more confidence that they will not disappoint their home fans.

On the other hand, Rapids, led by Chris Armas, enters this match looking to make amends after the bitter loss to LAFC. The team has made tremendous progress under Armas’ leadership, from being last in the Western Conference table in 2023 to battling for a top spot in 2024. The signing of Zack Steffen – the Manchester City goalkeeper – has further raised the team’s level and it has the ambition to return to international competitions.

This match has everything that could give it the character of a final: the rivalry between the two teams, the desire to make up for disappointing semifinals and, of course, the place in the Concacaf Champions Cup.

Union coach Jim Curtin knows what is at stake and stressed in a recent interview that the opponent should not be underestimated: “Rapids is not here by chance. They are a team that has overcome great adversity and we have to be prepared for anything.” In fact, underestimating Rapids could prove to be a fatal mistake, especially given their recent victories against teams from Liga MX.

For his part, Chris Armas stressed that Rapids will go on the field with full force. “This is our chance to show that Colorado is back on the continental football map. We are playing for something big,” said Armas, emphasizing what a great game this will be for his club in the future.

What is it about?

There is a lot at stake off the field. A win would further cement Philadelphia Union’s reputation as one of the rising forces in MLS and secure another outstanding season in the Concacaf Champions Cup. For Colorado Rapids, a win would not only mark a return to continental competition, but also the culmination of a rebuilding process that began with the arrival of Chris Armas.

This will be a high-pressure game with so much at stake for both teams. The intensity of the Union fans will make Subaru Park a veritable fortress and the Rapids will at least try to silence the opposing crowd with an inspired performance. Both teams have the kind of talented players on the pitch and experienced coaches on the sidelines to get the job done.