Philadelphia Union vs Orlando City SC Match Preview

The 2016 MLS season has been nothing short of a roller coaster for the Philadelphia Union. After an extremely difficult road trip, the boys in blue return home to face off against Orlando City and do what they haven’t done in half a decade: make the playoffs.

The Ins and Outs:

Philadelphia Union (11-12-9 [42 points] 6th in East)

vs.

Orlando City SC (7-11-14 [35 points] 9th in East)

Sunday at 3:00pm – Talen Energy Stadium (Chester, PA)

Comcast Network (Philadelphia), TV27 (Orlando), MLS Live (stream)

PRO Referees: Ricardo Salazar, Andrew Bidelow (AR1), Jeffrey Greeson (AR2), Jorge Gonzalez (4th)

Coaches: Jim Curtin (Philadelphia) – Jason Kreis (Orlando)

By The Goals: Philadelphia (52 goals scored, 51 goals allowed) – Orlando (49 goals scored, 58 goals allowed)

Current Form:

Philadelphia Union: (2-1 Loss at POR, 1-1 Draw at TOR, 3-2 Loss at NYRB)

Orlando CIty SC: (4-1 Loss at DC, 0-0 Draw at TOR, 1-0 Loss vs MTL)

Win and In

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A vigorous month on the road has seen the Union’s margin for error deteriorate with each passing result. Failing to take advantage of numerous opportunities against beatable opposition, Philadelphia has now been given the chance that their fans fully expect them to capitalize on at home: win the game and secure a spot in the MLS playoffs.

After an impressive start to the beginning of the year, the Union have dropped crucial points left and right to once again put them in a tough situation entering the final 10 days of the season. However, seeding in the postseason rarely has any effect on a team since each side will get a home and away match regardless, so clinching the final spot should not be discouraging for fans of this rising franchise.

In his first year running the club, Earnie Stewart has worked well with head coach Jim Curtin to create the base for a fruitful future within the organization on the heels of another disappointing season in 2015. Orlando City enters just as battered by recent disappointment so both sides will be hungry, but in front of the passionate Philadelphia fan base, the boys in blue will certainly give nothing less than their all in this critical conference match-up.

Aug 20, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Union midfielder Tranquillo Barnetta (10) reacts after defender Ken Tribbett (4) scored a goal during the first half against the Toronto FC at Talen Energy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Derik Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports /

Keys to Victory

Pressure: Philadelphia has been very effective in asserting a high line of pressure on teams early and consistently. Orlando has the ability to switch the field of play with precision, but with a well rested Alejandro Bedoya, look for him to be constantly on the move with the help of Warren Creavalle filling in spaces through the middle.

Execution: It is now or never for C.J. Sapong to decide whether he is worth keeping around next season as the featured striker in this Philadelphia Union offense. His extensive goal scoring drought has been difficult to watch especially with his track record and skill set.

Look for him to hold up play enough for the experienced midfielders Chris Pontius and Tranquillo Barnetta to work into space and create opportunities for Philadelphia to go ahead early. If Sapong fails to score in this match, we could very well see a changing of the guard up top with Charlie Davies chomping at the bit to make a name for himself in Major League Soccer once again.

Finishing: The Achilles heel of Philadelphia for years now; the inability to properly close out games has left fans on edge in far too many situations this season. The Union must dig down deep in this match as Orlando possesses the talent to breakthrough in an instant through their veteran attacking core led by Kaka.

Next: Will Kevin Kratz Feature this Season?

While this will be vital for success in tomorrow’s match, I expect Philly to go up early with goals from Fabian Herbers and Chris Pontius which will force Orlando into their hand and style of play. A consolation goal from Kevin Molino will be nullified by a late strike from Tranquillo Barnetta as the Union emerge victorious 3-1 and claim their right to compete for the franchise’s first MLS Cup.

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