Philadelphia Union vs DC United Match Preview

By Francis Sorrentino | Aug 5, 2016

May 11, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Union defender Keegan Rosenberry (12) celebrates his goal with forward Chris Pontius (13) and defender Richie Marquez (16) against the Los Angeles Galaxy during the second half at Talen Energy Stadium. The game ended in a 2-2 tie. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports /

The Philadelphia Union look to go for the Season sweep vs rival DC United.

The Ins and Outs

Philadelphia Union 8-8-6, 30 points at DC United 5-8-8, 23 points

Saturday at 7 p.m., RFK Stadium, Washington D.C.

PRO assigned Referees: REF: Jair Marrfuo, AR1: Andrew Bigelow, AR2: Jose J. Da Silva, 4TH: Jaime Herrera

Coaches: Jim Curtain, Philadelphia Union; Ben Olsen, DC United.

Where To Watch: The Comcast Network, NewsChannel 8, MLS Live.

By the Goals: Philadelphia Union 36 goals for, 35 goals against; Real Salt Lake 20 goals for, 26 goals against.

Last game’s: Union home vs Real Salt Lake, 2-1 defeat; DC United home vs Montreal Impact 1-1 draw.

The Philadelphia Union need to break out of their funk and quick. Last week the Union took on a Real Salt Lake Squad that had been winless in their last 6 games, only scoring 3 goals in those games. The Union gave up 2 goals to Real who was also missing their top goal scorer. What looked like a promising first half quickly fizzled out during the second half. You could just feel the air go flat, as Real Salt Lake scored two goalazos. You can’t really fault Blake, the two goals were spectacular shots, however, the defense was far from what we saw the first half of the season.

The good news is that help is coming and quickly. You may have noticed the Philadelphia Union made some big moves during the closing hours of the Summer Transfer Window. The team acquired US Men’s National Team midfielder Alejandro Bedoya, from FC Nantes; while also trading for New England Revolution Forward Charlie Davies.

Whenever you acquire players, often times you need to move others, and so this was the case. Club legend, leading the franchise in just about every category, Sebastian Le Toux was traded to Colorado Rapids. The move shocked many Union fan’s but surprisingly most seemed to understand the move.

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Both players are expected to have an immediate impact. Bedoya will likely take the 8 role, allowing Tranquillo Barnetta to move back to his natural 10 spot. While Davies is expected to push CJ Sapong for his starting spot, providing relief as a sub, while mentoring young rookie Fabian Herbers.

Philadelphia Union fan’s also received a small scare this week. Union coach Jim Curtain told reporters on Wednesday, that Goalkeeper Andre Blake was kept out of practice, as precaution on Wednesday, after injuring his groin during the MLS All-Star game. Blake is still expected to get the start, with John McCarthy backing him up.

DC United look to try to steal one at home, from the Union, after losing the first two matchups 1-0 and 3-0. Both games played in Philadelphia. DC, like the Union also made some move’s during the Summer Transfer Window. DC acquired Forward Patrick Mullins, from NYCFC, who had an immediate impact for his team. Mullins scored his first goal in a DC uniform, but DC 6 game winless streak continued as they ended up playing to a draw vs Montreal.

What to Expect

The Philadelphia Union will look to get their first victory at RFK, since April 21st, 2013. The Union have won five straight vs DC, but all of those wins have been at home. get back to their winning form, in a place where they have been strong all season, at their home stadium, Talen Energy Stadium. Like last week the Union face a team who hasn’t won a game in their last 6 games.

Next: Can Union Bounce Back Quickly?

Many people are wondering if newly acquired Alejandro Bedoya and Charlie Davies will start or even play vs United. Davies is the more likely of the two. He joined the team on Friday, while Bedoya is expected to meet the team in DC. Expect to see a Union lineup featuring Sapong up top, Pontius and Ilsinho as the midfield wings, while Alberg returns to the 10.

Barnetta, back from suspension will likely assume the 8 role, along side Brian Carroll. With all things considered, the Union are a far superior team to DC. The desire to get back on a winning track, paired with the excitement of new additions to this team, I think the Union get the season series sweep; winning 3-1 in DC. Goals coming from Barnetta, Ilsinho and a late goal from sub Charlie Davies.

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