Though things are turning around for Philadelphia, there is a new challenge in Western Conference titans, Portland.
Going five matches unbeaten in all competitions is a deceiving record for the Philadelphia Union, after failing to get a win in the first three MLS matches.
Philadelphia has scored two goals just once this season, on the road against the Chicago Fire, and has only scored a total of six goals in seven MLS matches, beating only Chicago and D.C. in the Eastern Conference.
A strong defensive record is the only thing covering up the lack of offensive production thus far, conceding only five goals. Orlando City and Nashville are the only two teams with a better defense in the east, having played one game fewer as well.
On top of that, Philadelphia has amassed just one victory at home in four matches so far, narrowly defeating the New York Red Bulls, but losing to New York City FC and Inter Miami, while drawing the New England Revolution.
This comes despite going undefeated at home in MLS play last season. Philadelphia has had a history of starting poorly, but that poor home record needs to be resolved early if the Union wants to defend its Supporters’ Shield title.
Philadlephia’s newest designated players signing, Daniel Gazdag made a substitute appearance last weekend, and could give the Union an additional boost, as the team looks to enter mid season form.
Those stats might not shine favorably on Philly, but the team sits in third place, just three away from leaders New England, though it is still early in the season.
On the other side, Portland is starting to pick up steam despite a depleted squad.
That squad is just getting more banged up, as midfielder Andy Polo is now confirmed to miss the rest of the season after falling to a horror tackle from the Galaxy’s Derrick Williams.
That is another to add to the list of Steve Clark (thigh strain), Sebastian Blanco (thigh strain), Diego Chara (thigh strain), Larys Mabiala (thigh strain), Cristhian Paredes (thigh strain), Jeff Attinella (thigh strain), Ismaila Jome (Achilles) Jaroslaw Niezgoda (ACL), Aljaz Ivacic (pubalgia surgery) [note to self, refrain from thigh strain pun.]
This historically strong Portland team is missing a ton of pieces as shown from the injury list. That didn’t stop them from taking down a strong LA Galaxy side 3-0 last weekend, after defeating San Jose 2-0 on the road.
Given the cross-country flight for the Timbers, and the Union finally getting a full week’s rest for the first time this season, there is an expectation that Gio Savarese will opt to play a more defensive style against a Union side favored to take all three points at home.
Savarese used a counter attacking style to his advantage last year around this time when Portland defeated the Union in the last meeting between these teams en route to winning the MLS is Back tournament.
Of course major starters like Blanco, Clark, Diego Chara, and Mabiala will be missing this time around, so Portland once again has to improvise.
The biggest upside that the Timbers will lean on entering this game, besides its recent form, is its all-time record against the Union. Portland has six wins and three draws in 10 games against Philly, losing only once. Despite the history, Philly are favored to pick up their fourth win in this one.
All the pros and cons for each side entering this game should even out to some regard, in what should be a high-tempo, beautiful match.
Kickoff is at 7 pm EST on Sunday, May 31 at Subaru Park in Chester, Pennsylvania.
Philadelphia Unioin
Portland Timbers
