The standings indicate that Saturday’s game between the Philadelphia Union and FC Cincinnati will be significant in determining the winner of the Eastern Conference.

That’s enough for coach Bradley Carnell, who isn’t interested in foisting any extra intrigue onto the visit to TQL Stadium (7:30 p.m., APPLETV).

Yes, FC Cincinnati ended the Union’s season on Decision Day last year — or more accurately, were in Chester as the Union ended their own season — and eliminated them from the playoffs in 2023. They’ve had heated affairs in the recent past, including a 4-3 loss in this fixture last year settled by a penalty in the 10th minute of second-half stoppage time.

But the 1-vs.-2 standing in the Eastern Conference needs no extra billing at this juncture of the regular season.

“Emotions are

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