The Philadelphia Union travel up I-95 this weekend to visit their friendly neighbors in Harrison, NJ. Philadelphia sits just one place behind The New York Red Bulls, yet are a whole 6 points behind, and would need a huge turnaround to overcome the deficit. With 3 games left for either team, both sides need a win to ensure an advantage in the playoffs. For the Red Bulls, a win could take them into 2nd place in the East, and a bye in the first round, depending on results in Toronto. Meanwhile the Union are narrowly holding onto a home first round game. With just one point ahead of Montreal, the Union will need a strong end to the season should they want to play at Talen Energy an extra time this season. Looking at the Union’s home vs. road record this season, the Philly side will need a home game. On the road the Union have won just 3 times, twice against Columbus, and once against New England. Saturday will show whether or not the Union can win on the road.
In the last meeting between these rivals, the Union turned around a 2-0 deficit to draw 2-2 at home. NYRB controlled the first half at Talen Energy Stadium, notching two goals, and possibly could have gotten even more. But when the second half came, the game turned on its head. The Union became much more aggressive, and got two goals within 2 minutes to tie the game. The USOC game between the two teams was eerily similar just a week before that game. The only difference was The Red Bulls could only get 1 first half goal, however The Union came out strong nonetheless and got their 2 goals to win, knocking NYRB out.
A Union victory would ensure a playoff spot for only the second time in the clubs history. This game will finally end the Union’s 3 game road trip, spanning three weeks, starting in Portland with a 2-1 loss, followed by a 1-1 draw in Toronto. The game will be played at 7 PM EST at Red Bull Arena.
