Ryan Richter has made it clear that Philadelphia Union are not looking too far ahead as they prepare for Philadelphia vs New York Red Bulls on Saturday. The interim manager says the job is to stay locked in on the weekend, even with 13 of the 34 regular-season games still to play.
The Union visit Red Bull New York for the first time since the 3-1 win on July 22 that started a six-game unbeaten run in league games. That result has given Philadelphia momentum since the World Cup break, but it has not yet been enough to lift them out of the playoff chase.
Richter wants the focus on Saturday
Richter was asked about the team’s wider outlook during his weekly news conference on Thursday, but his message was simple. As he put it, “I’m excited for the game this weekend and putting all our energy into that, and trying to prepare the guys the best way that we possibly can so that they can be successful.”
He also stressed that he is not spending time thinking 10 matches ahead. “The position the team’s in, the position that I’m in myself, I’m not worrying about 10 games from now,” he said.
That is a sensible position for a side that still has plenty to play for. With the season ending on Nov. 7, the Union have games left to turn a steady run into something more concrete.
What the recent run has changed
The timing of this fixture matters because the Union have at least shown consistency again. The 3-1 win on July 22 has become a useful marker, not just because it beat Red Bull New York, but because it started the current unbeaten stretch.
Richter said the run has also taught him plenty about the group. “I’ve learned a lot about the guys — I hope they’ve gotten to know myself and the staff, and how we’re operating through a season when you’re actually playing a lot of games,” he said.
He added that the recent stretch has shown both sides of the squad: “I know I’ve learned a lot about the guys, and seen the good side and the bad side of them, and just appreciate the way that they’ve continued to work, and stay focused, and be honest in conversations over this really busy last couple of weeks.”
That sort of honesty matters in a busy period, especially when the margin for progress is so slim. The Union are 5-10-6 with 21 points and sit in ninth place, which means the task is still about turning improved form into a more secure position.
Why this weekend matters
There is also a small but important reward available on Saturday. A win could move the Union level on points with Orlando City, even if they would not move ahead on the first tiebreaker.
That is why this feels like more than just another league game. The Union have already shown they can put together a stronger run, but the next step is proving they can keep it going when the table demands it.
Richter’s approach suggests he understands that clearly. For now, the task is not to solve the whole season. It is to manage one difficult away game, keep the momentum alive, and see whether Philadelphia can turn a good spell into a genuine push before the final weeks arrive.
