Section 215
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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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Philadelphia Union
Jul 23, 2016; Ottawa, Ontario, CAN; Philadelphia Union midfielder Tranquillo Barnetta (10) controls the ball in the first half against the Montreal Impact at Saputo Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Marc DesRosiers-USA TODAY Sports /

HOME vs Montreal Impact 7 p.m. September 10th

First, team in the 2016 MLS season to have a 5 game win streak, are the Philadelphia Union! The Union have hit top form at just the right time. Five important games remain, all five against playoff teams, four of them are Eastern Conference opponents.

The Union will play the Montreal Impact for the last time this regular season. The Impact come in led by, international Superstar, Didier Drogba, and MLS Star Ignacio Piatti. The two have already combined for over 20 goals on the season, likely surpassing 30, by the time this game is played. Both teams near the top of goals scored in MLS, so expect a few goals to be scored in this one.

The Union and Impact played to a 1-1 draw in Montreal, in their first meeting earlier this season. Drogba scored in the just the 3rd minute of the game but CJ Sapong scored the equalizer in the 24th minute and the teams were in a stalemate the rest of the game.

The second game was arguably the Philadelphia Union’s worst performance of the year. A 5-1 defeat in Montreal. They didn’t seem to have much of an answer for Drogba, who scored a hat trick, fourth goal in two games vs the U. There seemed to be miscommunications between the backline and the Union were just flat out dominated in every aspect.

After that game, you best believe Coach Jim Curtain and company, circled September 10th on the calendar.

The Return?

For the Union, this game could also mark the return and season debut, of injured Designated Player, Maurice Edu. Edu has yet to play a minute during the 2016 campaign as he has been sidelined the entire season with a fracture in his left leg. He suffered the injury while working to recover from hernia surgery, from October. Edu will look to take over the number 6 role, lining up next Alejandro Bedoya. Although it will be the first time the two play together on the field in Blue and Gold, they spent time playing to together for Scottish side Rangers and also some time together with the United States Men’s National Team.

Game Expectation’s

Unfortunately, the Union won’t get the revenge they seek and their five-game winning streak will be snapped. However, their unbeaten streak will still be intact, the Union and Impact finish to a 2-2 draw.
Current Record:13-8-8, 47 points.

Next: Game 6: Portland Timbers

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