Through the years D.C. United and the Philadelphia Union have provided some of the toughest, most-hard hitting games on the Major League Soccer scheduled. But supporters have always wondered, “What would happen if these two were playing something on the line.” On Sundayfans will find out as United host the Union in a battle for the top spot in MLS’ Eastern Conference Standings (7:30 PM EST/4:30PM PST, FS1).
While both sides have plenty riding on this match, Philadelphia may have more to prove given their history. Although they currently sit atop the Eastern Conference with a 11-7-6 record on 39 points they are coming off of a tough 4-0 loss at the hands of Montreal Impact last week. Maybe wait until after the match before deciding that the Union are a shoo-in for the MLS Cup. But if you’re absolutely convinced that 2019 is the Year of the DOOP, this site has you covered with options available if you’re from a state that hasn’t legalized betting quite yet.
As for D.C. they have had their own set of struggles. They have won just once in their last six matches and are standing with a 9-6-9 record on 36 points. While historically they have done quite well against Philadelphia at home, holding a 5-3-4 record, Philly have won their last three matches in the Nation’s Capital.
If D.C. are to get the three points at Audi Field they are going to need to find their scoring stroke. After taking two weeks off to rest leading goal scorer Wayne Rooney is back and will be looking to add to his already scoring haul. He is fifth in the league with 11 goals and has formed a dangerous partnership with Lucas Rodriguez midway through the season. The two tore up the Cincinnati defense in Rooney’s last match, earning a 4-1 win at Nippert Stadium. The Philadelphia defense is a much more formidable opponent than Cincinnati having surrendered just 36 goals. Defender Ray Gaddis will need to use his speed on the outside to limit Rodriguez’s touches. Look for Union center-back Auston Trusty to be tasked with containing Rooney and keeping him away from chances inside the eighteen.
D.C. United’s Russell Canouse (left) will be out for Sunday night’s match against the Philadelphia Union leaving a major hole in the home side’s midfield.
As for Philadelphia they have had the most success this season on the attacking end when Haris Medunjanin can link up with Fafa Picault on diagonal passes and deep runs into the box. United will be without their defensive-midfielder Russell Canouse, who is out for the next 3-4 weeks with a collapsed lung. United coach Ben Olsen will likely replace him with Chris Durkin, who has shown flickers of promise throughout his first two plus years in the league. The young U.S. international has been the subject of European transfer rumors and may be looking to use the next few weeks to build his stock. His biggest issue, and something that Philadelphia may exploit, is his willingness to take unnecessary fouls. Against a steady veteran like Medunjanin his errors may prove costly.
One other area to keep an eye on is the goalkeepers. United’s Bill Hamid and Philadelphia’s Andre Blake are two of the best shot stoppers in the league and two of the most athletic, often making acrobatic saves out of thin air. They will be tested on Sunday against two very capable scoring sides but if history has proven anything they will be more than up for the task.
Sunday’s tilt has all of the makings of a classic with both sides needing points and looking to gain the upper hand for top honors in the East. What will be interesting to see is the tempo of the match early and which side can gain control of the midfield. The team that can retain possession early and build chances may just have the edge.
DC United
Philadelphia Union
