Section 215
Fansided

Philadelphia Union: Are the Union Playoff bound?

By Francis Sorrentino

Aug 6, 2016; Washington, DC, USA; Members of the Philadelphia Union celebrate a goal against the D.C. United at Robert F. Kennedy Memorial. Mandatory Credit: Rafael Suanes-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 6, 2016; Washington, DC, USA; Members of the Philadelphia Union celebrate a goal against the D.C. United at Robert F. Kennedy Memorial. Mandatory Credit: Rafael Suanes-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 8, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Union midfielder Tranquillo Barnetta (10) celebrates with the crowd and teammates Fabian Herbers (11) C.J. Sapong (17) and midfielder Leo Fernandes (22) after a late goal during the second half against the Orlando City FC at Talen Energy Stadium. The Union won 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Derik Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports /

HOME vs Orlando City SC 5 p.m. October 16th

Finally, back home at Talen Energy Stadium, the Philadelphia Union take on Orlando City SC. Orlando City comes in looking to secure the last spot in the Eastern Conference, as it’s a close race with New England.

After a 3 game road trip, the Philadelphia Union come out with a 1-1-1 record, earning four points in the three games, a respectable performance considering the meaning of all three games.

In their first two matchups, both team’s would be helped by officiating.

In the first game, Sebastian Le Toux drew a foul resulting in a 90th minute Tranquillo Barnetta free-kick. Many Orlando City fans felt it was a weak call, as it seemed Le Toux went down a little too easy. Barnetta who had just missed a free-kick from a similar position, a few minutes earlier set up for another. This time, he buried the kick beautifully in the upper right corner of the goal for the game-winner.

Again Orlando City fans wouldn’t be happy, because the Union ran a play where their players lined up offside, before jumping into the wall. Many people felt the goal should have been ruled offside, and therefore wouldn’t have counted.

The two sides would play a month later, this time in Orlando City. The game would end in a 2-2 draw, but left many Union fans unhappy along with coach Jim Curtain. There seemed to be many no call’s that would have been to go in the Union’s favor, along with several calls made against the Philadelphia Union that were also questionable.

Game Expectations

Orlando City SC is a different team from the last time they played. The only coach in Orlando City’s short history, Adrian Heath was sacked. OCSC management chose former Real Salt Lake and New York City coach Jason Kreis as the replacement.

Orlando City on paper is a strong team, they have international Superstar Kaka, to go along with star in the making Cyle Larin and MLS standout Brek Shea. Larin was the 2015 MLS Rookie of the Year and is the leading goal scorer for the club. The question is whether they can put together a full performance on the pitch.

With all that being said, the Philadelphia Union are just too good of a team this season, to let a few star player’s effect their full team effort. Union win 2-1.
Current Record:15-9-9, 53 points.

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