Photo credit: Charlotte Thomas
COLUMBUS CREW (2-0-0) – 6 points- 1st place in East vs. PHILADELPHIA UNION (1-0-0) – 3 points- 4th place in East
“With all due respect, Columbus isn’t Barcelona so we’ll have chances when we’re at home,” said Union midfielder Haris Medunjanin.
“We’re still working on how to press higher up,” Union midfielder Alejandro Bedoya said. “That’s what we want to do. Tactically I think the wingers have to do a better job than we did last year in terms of when we do press high to block the passing lanes and win higher balls and not let teams play out of the back so easily.”
I think what could help the Columbus Crew most is oddly not to go up by multiple goals so early in the game; as that led to more moments of hesitation and question marks later on, not as steadfast decisions around the field and the Impact found a way back in.
“There are going to be moments where maybe we can take the ball and maybe attack the goal a little bit quicker and maybe score quicker if we press really good against them because they will take a lot of risks,” that’s a lot of maybe’s there from Haris “Maybe” Medunjanin.
Actually I think when Columbus takes risks and doesn’t second guess them they’re best. Yet it’s hard for any team not to get into game protection mode up 2-0 so early.
Actually Columbus looks best when they high press a lot themselves. As Columbus’s high pressure early against Toronto and a lot of times in preseason was very good.
I don’t think Philadelphia has the same players capable of handling a high press like Columbus does.
Especially defensively and mainly at center-back.
Trusty had his first start at center-back last week and Elliot is not too far ahead.
That’s one of the positives about playing often out of the back. You can handle a high press better.
I think Columbus should go out and do what Philadelphia is planning to do but better; As there is only one side out there that won’t be able to cope with it as well.
Philadelphia are a better side then they’ve have been. But, they have A LOT of new guys.
"I know once I get an opportunity I have to take it, and thankfully I feel I did pretty well tonight."
We'd say so, @AntFontana99. #DOOP pic.twitter.com/jxMuNd1YLf
— Philadelphia Union (@PhilaUnion) March 4, 2018
Here's that #DOOP from @AntFontana99 ? https://t.co/n30RskxW4d
— Philadelphia Union (@PhilaUnion) March 4, 2018
They have a new “marquee” signing that I’ve never heard of in my life in Czech Republic International Borek Dockal, on loan from China (yeah no joke).
But he would be a new part as well if he does start over Fontana at the no. 10 position this Saturday.
Regardless whether Dockal or Fontana, we win at that position with Federico Higuain.
My starting lineup for Columbus:
I debated putting surprisingly Luis Argudo in as the first sub to get a start for the Columbus Crew in 2018.
It’s possible considering he comes in earlier and earlier. In addition, he was the one fouled last week to gain the winning penalty for Columbus in the 93rd minute.
I was definitely going to put him in if his substitution was right after the first goal. But, it was right before so if anything he would be the right midfielder culpable for the lack of support for Harrison Afful.
Not Cristian Martinez.
But more than likely he makes a substitution appearance again, perhaps Ricardo Clark sees his first Crew minutes at some period in the 2nd half as well.
Prediction: 2-0 Crew win. Crew set things right again, high press, startle Philadelphia on the road similar to they did in Toronto. Goals by Zardes and Federico.
Philadelphia Union
Columbus Crew
