Photo/Kari Heistad
Regardless of the Philadelphia Union’s form and place in the standings, their home, PPL Park in Chester, Pa. has always been inhospitable for the New England Revolution, something which could add an extra air of hostility when the two teams meet up on Saturday night as part of MLS’ “Rivalry Week.”
Philadelphia, though, has long been more of a thorn in the Revolution’s side than an actual rival. They’ve never met in the playoffs or trash talked one another, though it did take the Revolution six tries before they took down the Union on the road.
So Saturday’s contest is more of a trap game for the Revolution than a rival’s clash, especially when considering the stakes for both teams. The Revolution are in the thick of a playoff chase, unbeaten in four games with a chance to leapfrog Toronto FC this weekend for full possession of fourth place in the Eastern Conference. Philadelphia, meanwhile, are facing a do-or-die scenario: anything less than a win on Saturday could push them as far back as four points from playoff position, a huge margin when considering Montreal, who currently occupy the sixth and final postseason slot, have played four fewer games.
“Playing the conference teams makes it even more important, because with the points, it’s a six-point swing,” said defender Jeremy Hall,. “We also have a couple more games played than some of the other teams, so these games are crucial for us.”
That the Union are playing for their playoff hopes could add a playoff game’s atmosphere to the proceedings, which is something the Revolution are familiar with after participating in an intense, late-season winning run last year en route to the MLS Cup.
That same discipline and intensity will need to be at a premium in Chester. The Revolution will need to dictate the possession and flow of the game, controlling the midfield and pinning the Union back, particularly in the first half.
Most of the Revolution’s goals this season—a sizeable 10–have come between minutes 30 and 45. That same, 15-minute period is when the Union has been most vulnerable, too, surrendering nine goals on the season.
To boot, the Revolution are 6-1-3 when leading at the half, while the Union are 0-6-0.
Statistics can often go out the window when the stakes are raised so high, which is why the Revolution will want to monitor the Union’s attack, especially through Cristian Maidana.
For all of the Union’s struggles this season, Maidana has been a consistent, guiding force, leading the league in assists (14) and acting as a playmaker for CJ Sapong and Sebastien LeToux.
“We’re in a position now where every game matters,” said head coach Jay Heaps told reporters. “You want to get in your rhythm so that you can kind of hit the right stride going into these final games.”
If you want to reach Julian, email him at julianccardillo@gmail.com and follow him on Twitter @juliancardillo
