D.C. United versus the Philadelphia Union
Talen Energy Stadium, 3:30 PM EST, UniMas
With win number one in the books, and a week off to boot, D.C. United (1-3-2, 5 points) head north on the I-95 to take on the Philadelphia Union (1-3-2, 5 points). Saturday’s encounter should feel like a bit of a home game for the Red-and-the-Black with supporters, we mean Screaming Eagles fans likely to make the short trip up north.
If history is any sort of barometer as to what type of match will be played on Saturday afternoon then it is likely to be a close one. Although the Union hold the distinct advantage in the season series at Talen Energy Stadium, formerly PPL Park, they are very rarely blowouts. Expect a physical encounter between the two sides with more than a few bookings. Philadelphia did sweep the season series last year so United will be looking for some measure of revenge.
If they are to earn the three points they will need to do it without midfielder Jesus Moreno. Moreno sustained a hamstring injury during their win over Columbus Crew SC two weeks prior, leaving the match early. Without Moreno United coach Ben Olsen will likely slot Chris Durkin in at the defensive midfielder spot. The United States Youth National Team player has performed admirably early in the season, making two starts for D.C.
D.C. will also be without midfielder Paul Arriola, who will be serving his one match suspension on Saturday. Arriola received a red card in the Columbus match. Olsen has been tinkering with Joseph Mora in place of Arriola during matches so it would seem likely that he will take his place.
Whomever starts in the midfield will be tasked with creating additional attacking chances. United’s six goals scored is the fifth lowest in Major League Soccer. While their 1-0 result against Columbus certainly removed the win-less stigma they weren’t exactly an offensive juggernaut. Their goal came in under the first minute of the match via a wonder strike from Ulises Segura. For the remainder of the match D.C. was outshot 24-5 with their lone shot on target being on goal.
The task at finding the back of the net doesn’t get any easier against Philadelphia. Goalkeeper Andre Blake has made the next step in his development as one of the top goalkeepers in MLS. He reads attacking positions better and now seems to have a grasp on how to dictate the tempo of a match. He is still very much the most dynamic goalkeeper in MLS and can make pretty much any save he wants. But he has picked up the nuances of the game, the little reads and positions that all great goalkeepers acquire after a few years of service. Having two young dependable defenders in Auston Trusty and Keegan Rosenberry helps as well.
On the attack Philadelphia have also had their issues. David Accam hasn’t exactly worked out as planned in part because he and C.J. Sapong don’t seem quite in sync. There were flickers of promise against Dallas with Accam getting space to deliver crosses and passes into Sapong. But more often than not they were a yard or two too long or too short. If they can find a bit of success against either David Ousted or Steve Clark (Olsen has yet to announce his starting goalkeeper for the match) it might just lead to more goals.
With two sides that need goals and points badly this match may have a sense of urgency early on that both sides have yet to exhibit in 2018. Whichever side can break through first may just get the three points and some hope for the rest of the season ahead.
Philadelphia Union
DC United
