COLUMBUS CREW SC vs PHILADELPHIA UNION
MAPFRE STADIUM, Columbus, Ohio
April 25, 2015 (WEEK 8, MLS Game #68)
7:30 p.m. ET (MLS LIVE)
John Bancroft, Philadelphia Union Beat Writer
This game is really a tale of two cities. For the Columbus Crew here is a team coming off a big home win vs Orlando carrying forward a 3 game winning streak. For the Philadelphia Union we find 11 players very much trying to find themselves and unable to hold the pieces together through 90 minutes.
Higuaín’s goal v Orlando, as the Crew offense proved far too much for Orlando City to handle
And that’s what makes this game of soccer so interesting. On any given day, when the mind set is just right the underdog can shine. So this Saturday the Union are clearly the underdogs. They face 4 solid surefooted attackers in Higuain, Ethan Finlay, Kei Kamara, and Justine Meram. In last week’s victory over Orlando all 4 provided a goal or an assist.
Higuain’s high work rate of play created chances. Expect more of the same on Saturday against a much maligned and disorganized Union back line. In order to pick up points the Union defense has to mark tighter and not lose contact with these 4 Crew danger men.
The Union offense seems to have found some pace now that Maidana is back from injury although maybe not a full 100%. He can make a big difference as he sees the field well and is alert on distribution, or taking a shot and adding a much-needed creative dimension to Philly’s inconsistent attack. The key is how well the Union forwards can open up space and take service for the finishing ball. Aristeguita, Le Toux, Sapong have to keep the ball in the attacking 3rd and put the Crew defenders on their heels.
And just for punctuation the Crew has never lost to the Union in Columbus, winning five out of six of their last matches and tying the sixth.
If the Union can keep their heads in the game for 90 minutes maybe the odds will turn and these Union underdogs can walk away with a victory.
INJURIES
CREW
OUT: D Sergio Campbell (right shoulder strain). M Wil Trapp (concussion-like syptoms, DNP 4/18).
Wil Trapp is back in Columbus and continuing treatment for concussion symptoms, but there still is no timetable for when the Crew SC midfielder and Gahanna native will return to the field.
UNION
OUT: M Eric Bird (hernia repair recovery, DNP 4/5). D Fabinho (right heel contusion/fasciitis). M Vincent Nogueira (right ankle sprain, DNP 4/19, did not train 4/22). D Raymond Lee (left quad strain)
