The Vancouver Whitecaps return to action Saturday night, shaking off the rust from their three-week layoff against an Eastern Conference heavyweight, the Philadelphia Union.

This is a big match on many different levels. Notably for the Whitecaps, they will clinch a playoff spot with a win on Saturday (a loss would also be acceptable if a couple of other things happen). A win would also keep the pressure on San Diego and ensure Vancouver remains in the mix for the Western Conference title.

The matchup is also a rare one — the last time these two teams met was in April of 2019, when such luminaries as Lucas Venuto, Joaquin Ardaiz and PC Giro were on the pitch.

But the most compelling part about this match is the fact that neither side was expected to be where they currently stand in the first place.

Philadelphia seemingly entered the season at a crossroads, having fired stalwart Jim Curtain and replacing him with Bradley Carnell. Given that the Union brass wanted to return to a higher pressing style of play, Carnell was a perfect fit. Still, most pundits didn’t see them as a playoff side.

Instead, the Union have been one of the league’s most entertaining teams, with the seventh best goals per match rate led by Golden Boot contender Tai Baribo. True to form, Philadelphia has found diamonds in the rough (holding midfielder Danley Jean Jacques) while getting big contributions from younger players Quinn Sullivan. And they bolstered their ranks in the winter transfer window by adding Whitecaps killer Milan Iloski.

But it is the defense that has taken the biggest step forward. Last year, Philadelphia was somewhat below average defensively, dragged down by individual errors, injuries to keeper Andre Blake and some bad luck. This year, they are the stingiest in the league, slightly ahead of Vancouver, and relying on Jakob Glesnes and Olwethu Makhanya to keep things buttoned up at the back. Nathan Harriel plays in a more reserved position at right back, allowing chance creator Kai Wagner to bomb up the left hand side and ping in crosses.

Philadelphia have struggled at times against the East’s best teams but they finally buried those demons with a 1-0 win over FC Cincinnati before the international break. This is a team that has lost twice since early July and is seemingly peaking at the right time to ensure they win their second Supporters Shield.

The Union will be without Makhanya, who misses out due to suspension, as well as Blake, who is carrying a hamstring injury (Note: he did train Friday, so we will see). Backup Andrew Rick, while only 19, has filled in pretty well in Blake’s absence but he is still not of the standard of the Jamaican international.

The Whitecaps will have a couple of injuries to cope with on the back line as well. Sebastian Schonlau picked up a knock during his appearance with the Whitecaps 2 side and will miss out, as will fellow new arrival Joedrick Pupe (really sums up the second half of the season, doesn’t it?). Everyone appears to have remained fit over the international break but Brian White remains injured and won’t play. That will leave Jesper Sorensen down more options than he would probably like with another three match week coming up, with the Union match the first part of the sandwich between the Canadian Championship semifinal and a trip to Sporting Kansas City.

This match is the best viewing of the matchweek and Vancouver will be looking to refine their Mueller-led attack after some fits and starts against St. Louis City. Philadelphia is a tough team to do that against but Vancouver has also not backed down from clashes against the Eastern Conference’s best teams. Saturday promises a showdown that will be well worth the wait.