Fabinho just barely keeping the ball in (Photo courtesy of Charlotte Thomas)
The last meeting between these two relatively young teams ended with a 90th minute free kick courtesy of Tranquillo Barnetta. This time around Orlando will have home field advantage, and should the sophomores take advantage, Orlando could see themselves rise 4 places into 2nd in the Eastern Conference. The Union have not lost yet to Orlando City, owning a 2-1-0 record.
The Union are coming off of another stoppage time winner, this time against DC United, last Friday thanks to Richie Marquez, who thumped home a Sebastien Le Toux cross with less than a couple minutes until the final whistle. Philadelphia have exceeded all expectations this year, sitting in 1st place with a 5-3-3 record. At this time last year the Union were 1-3-7, and in a dire situation. In 2016 Philadelphia are 1 point ahead of second placed NYCFC with 2 games in hand, giving them a chance to extend control of the table. Jamiacan international Andre Blake, who has been phenomenal for the Union so far, will delay joining his national team until after playing Orlando, giving the Union a boost. Philadelphia will still be without French midfielder Vincent Nogueira, who picked up a muscle injury going into Fridays game versus DC United.
Collision in front of the Orlando goal (Photo courtesy of Charlotte Thomas)
Orlando recently took a 2-1 victory from Montreal Impact at home thanks to a Cyle Larin brace. The southerners have proven an effective attacking threat. Between Adrien Winter, Kaka, and Cyle Larin, Orlando city has scored in all 11 games they have played this year. However Orlando has only been able to keep 1 shutout all year, ironically against offensively fueled NYCFC. Orlando will be without El Salvadorian midfielder Darwin Ceren, and Portuguese midfielder Rafael Ramos. Brek Shea is fit and expected to play.
Expect goals. Both teams will be reaching for a win, especially Orlando at home, who will likely play an attacking style and press the Union high up the field. The Union won’t just sit in either, coach Jim Curtin has mentioned he will play an aggressive style. “We’re going to be fearless on the road, we’re not going to be the type of team that sits in and absorbs pressure. We’re going to play the same way we would in our home stadium.”
The Union kick off at 7:30 EST at the Citrus bowl.
