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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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Jul 11, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Union forward C.J. Sapong (17) controls the ball past Portland Timbers defender Taylor Peay (20) during the second half at PPL Park. The Union won 3-0. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /

AWAY vs Portland Timbers 6 p.m. September 17th

With a playoff spot secured and a matchup against a Western Conference opponent, we might see a different lineup as the Philadelphia Union begin their firs, of three straight away games, as they travel to Portland to take on the Timbers. It will all depend as to where the Philadelphia Union sit in their quest for the Supporters Shield. If the Union have a legitimate shot at the trophy we very well could see their best lineup, but the Union will most likely trail the leader by 10-15 points at this point in the season.

It’s the first and only meeting in over a year for the two clubs unless they were to meet in the MLS Cup final. The Union hosted the Timbers last year, defeating the eventual league champ, thanks to goal’s from two former Union players; the first from Andrew Wenger in the 69th minute then Vincent Nogueira scored just two minutes later, in the 71st minute then followed that up in the 82nd minute to get the brace and secure a 3-0 Union win.

Familiarity

The Timbers are very familiar with the position they are currently in. Last year the team was in the mix for the playoff hunt, but with a month to go they were just below the red line. With three games to go, Portland was on the outside looking in, but they would get hot at the right time, as they won three straight games to jump from a non-playoff spot all the way to the 3rd seed. They rode that streak through the playoffs, to claim victory in the Cup Final.

Portland is not an easy environment to play in, some will argue it’s one of, if not the best and rowdiest crowds in MLS and the Union haven’t had the best luck on the road in 2016. Portland is fighting for a playoff spot, while the Philadelphia Union have already clinched theirs, so expect Portland to really push for a win the entire game, especially if the Union don’t field their normal starting XI.

Game Expectation’s

The Union will put up a fight but their unbeaten streak comes to an end as they continue their away game woes, falling to Portland 2-1.
Current Record:13-9-8 47 points

Next: Game 7: Toronto FC

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