PHILADELPHIA UNION vs PORTLAND TIMBERS
PPL PARK, Chester, Pa.
7PM July 11, 2015
Photography By Diego Muya
The Union are fighting for a playoff spot and need three points against the Timbers to challenge NYC Red Bulls for the sixth playoff spot in the Eastern Division. The Timbers are determined to hold onto their third place spot in the Western Division. They are on a streak, winning for a sixth time in last seven games against a tough San Jose team Sunday.
In five meetings all-time, Portland has won three, with two draws, so the Union have their work cut out for them this Saturday at PPL Park. The Timbers added Nat Borchers to the backline to boost the team’s defense, but the front five remain questionable. Darlington Nagbe, Portland’s most athletic and dynamic midfielder has only taken two shots from open play inside the box all season, highlighting how rarely gets into the box.
Despite getting scoring from Maurice Edu and Eric Ayuk Mbu against Montreal, the rest of the team needs to step up. On paper Portland looks good but the Union is the better team on the field. Portland has momentum and if the Union is to win, they need to play like they are capable.
Can the Union breakdowns wring out all the mistakes? If they press, they can and win at home. On Saturday the team that wants the win will have to show it. Time to find out.
Possible Union Line Up
GK Brian Sylvestre
D Maurice Edu
D Fabinho
D Raymon Gaddis
D Richie Marquez
M Brian Carroll
M Zach Pfeffer
M Andrew Wenger
M Vincent Nogueira
M Cristian Maidana
F C.J. Sapong
Injuries and Suspensions
Union:
F Sebastion Le Toux, Left Knee MCL Sprain
F Fernando Aristeguieta, Left Fibula Contusion
F Conor Casey, Left Quad Strain
M Michael Lahoud, Right Quad Strain
D Steven Vitoria, Left Hamstring Strain
Timbers:
M Ben Zemanski, Torn ACL
M Diego Chara, Ankle Sprain
M Darlington Nagbe, Shoulder
D Norbeto Paparetto, Calf Strain
Red Card Suspension
M Eric Ayuk Mbu Red Card vs Montreal
International Duty
D Alvas Powell Gold Cup Play
