Section 215
Fansided

Philadelphia Union Rivalry Weekend Preview – DC United

By Chuck Booth

Jul 26, 2015; Washington, DC, USA; D.C. United forward Fabian Espindola (10) advances the ball as Philadelphia Union forward Sebastien Le Toux (9) looks on during the first half at Robert F. Kennedy Memorial. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 26, 2015; Washington, DC, USA; D.C. United forward Fabian Espindola (10) advances the ball as Philadelphia Union forward Sebastien Le Toux (9) looks on during the first half at Robert F. Kennedy Memorial. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports /
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Tomorrow the Philadelphia Union will host their rivals DC United as part of MLS Rivalry week.

This features a matchup of the third place Philadelphia Union against DC United who are currently in 5th place. The two teams are only separated by two points so this is essentially a six-point matchup. The added weight to the table is something that isn’t usually present in these rivalry games but it’s a glimpse towards a future where the Philadelphia Union will be consistent contenders in the Eastern Conference.

In the history of this matchup, the Philadelphia Union have an all-time record of 7-3-8 over 18 games played. Last Season, the Union went 1-2 against DC United with all three games being decided by one goal.

The Philadelphia Union won the first matchup 1-0 with Zach Pfeffer (my how times change) netting the winner in the 93rd minute during stoppage time. In the second matchup, DC United got their revenge with Chris Rolfe being awarded a penalty in the 85th minute that he slotted home for the 2-1 win. The third matchup between these teams turned into a 3-2 thriller. CJ Sapong and Sebastian Le Toux netted within the first five minutes but the Philadelphia Union weren’t able to hold on as Fabián Espíndola netted a winner in the 79th minute.

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Even though the Philadelphia Union weren’t very competitive last season they were still able to compete with a DC United squad that made the playoffs by finishing fourth in the Eastern Conference table. Close games and drama have become the norm in this rivalry and that shall continue this season especially with table position being on the line.

The Philadelphia Union should have the advantage with this match being at home where they have gone 3-0-2. The Sons of Ben have created a hostile home atmosphere and the Capo’s will be ready to chant as loud as they can if it will help the Union secure a win over their rivals to the south.

DC has shifted to a new playing style from their “muck it up” tactics from last year with the loss of midfielder Perry Kitchen. Over the offseason, they added Lamar Neagle for another attacking dimension and it has resulted in free flowing football. That shouldn’t be an issue for the new and improved Philadelphia Union and their explosive counter attack.

This season the Union have defended with a purpose and picked their spots to get forward and score. That should give DC United issues especially with their issues in net. It will be a battle of the midfield and for once that battle favors the Philadelphia Union.

Let’s get down to the positional matchups to watch:

Luciano Acosta

vs the Philadelphia Union backline –

philadelphia union
May 14, 2016; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Philadelphia Union defender Richie Marquez (16) heads the ball next to Montreal Impact forward Dominic Oduro (7) during the second half at Stade Saputo. Mandatory Credit: Jean-Yves Ahern-USA TODAY Sports /

This will be the third straight game that has featured elite attackers and the Union have shut them down so far with Giovanni Dos Santos and Ignacio Piatti being held scoreless. Acosta has a different skill set due to his size and speed so Keegan Rosenberry and Joshua Yaro will have their work cut out for them. Acosta makes DC United tick so to shut them down the Union will have to contain him.

  • CJ Sapong and Chris Pontius vs Steve Birnbaum  and Bobby Boswell – this matchup will contain some crucial ariel duels. Pontius especially will be important as he knows players tendencies in this matchup against his former team. Steve Birnbaum has been linked to a move to Borussia Dortmund after his stellar play for club and country so this will be a time for him to step up against two of the top players in MLS when it comes to ariel duels won.
  • Andre Blake vs Everyone (no seriously) – Andre Blake has been the definition of a brick wall this season making one acrobatic save after another. Last week he singlehandedly shut down Didier Drogba and will look to keep up his current performance. Blake has been one of the best keepers in MLS and he’s easily been one of the best players for the Philadelphia Union.

    • Next: Keegan Rosenberry is Gaining Recognition

    I predict a 2-1 result in this one with a winner coming in the 86th minute from Ilsinho (what better time for him to score his first goal for the Philadelphia Union. A win in this game will hopefully propel the Union into at least second place in the Eastern Conference. Tune into the game at 7pm Eastern Time.

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