Playoffs? Playoffs? Can the Union Win?

By Ricky Zellefrow | Oct 25, 2016

Oct 23, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Union midfielder Tranquillo Barnetta (10) during the second half against the New York Red Bulls at Talen Energy Stadium. The Red Bulls won 2-0. Mandatory Credit: Derik Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports /

The Philadelphia Union are in the playoffs, but how far can they go?

“Playoffs? Don’t talk about playoffs, you kidding me…I just hope we can win a game”. The immortal words of Jim Mora symbolize what many people around Philadelphia have been thinking about the Philadelphia Union for basically the past two plus months.

Now the team has limped into the first round of the 2016 MLS playoffs on a 3 game losing streak having not won in 8 matches. In the almost two months since that game the Union have had many injuries, and let in two goals a game and only scored 5 times in 7 games.

The Philadelphia Union at the beginning of the season were not only winning games, but for much of the season they were above the playoff line. Only two teams went for the whole season above the playoff line and the Union were one of them. That said much of their points were accumulated in the first half of the season and they really have shown a complete lack of form since well before the mid-point of the season.

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New England was the only thing standing between the Union and playoffs and in a real shock they did not manage to make up a 12 goal differential lead for the Union on decision day. The Union now look to a playoff matchup that pits them against Eastern Conference third place finishers Toronto FC. The Reds finished just a point out of a bye. That said they are also on a weak stretch, at least for them, with 1 win in their last 6, but 4 ties.

Philadelphia and Toronto have met twice this season. The Union tying on the road and losing 3-1 at home in PPL Park. The good news is they were better on the road, the bad news is that Sebastian Giovinco is back and he did not play in that game. That said he is still injured and that fact may likely be exploitable for the Union. Beyond that Jozy Altidore is sure to be of big interest as he has been hot as of late, and beyond that he may prove vital in a few weeks for USA vs Mexico.

The game is of much interest as honestly it could go either way. With injuries of late to Warren Creavalle and Maurice Edu officially out once again things could be interesting. Will Ken Tribbett get a third chance against Toronto, or will Josh Yaro make his return. Also what will be done with the forward situation, and can anybody score a goal.

Even more interesting is that the matchup will also see a first time playoff winner. The Union did not get a win in their 2011 playoff matchup with Houston losing 1-2 in Chester, and 1-0 on the road. This marks only their second time in the playoffs. Meanwhile the team from Toronto has an even more storied history of missing the playoffs, losing in their first attempt last year to Montreal Impact.

With the game coming so shortly after the weekend’s matchups it may favor a more rested team, and much of the front four has seen rest for the Union, with Chris Pontius out the whole game and C.J. Sapong, Tranquillo Barnetta, and Fabian Herbers getting different amounts of rest. Brian Carroll and Ilsinho also saw some rotation, and with Eric Ayuk’s return to MLS play it seems likely that a lot of options have rest for the Union.

The big thing is that the defense really has not been rested at all. Fabinho saw one or two games from the bench, with Andre Blake out a few weeks in international play. Keegan Rosenberry became the first rookie to play every minute of every game, with Richie Marquez in third place in total MLS minutes this season. Ken Tribbett has also seen notable time this season, though nowhere near as much as most of the team.

The depth for the Philadelphia Union has been a concern all year with basically 14 or 15 guys getting 95 percent of the playing time. With a continued use of one formation all season, and almost no squad rotation the fact is the team is a bit worrying heading into the postseason. That said anything can happen in a winner take all game, and if the Union can suddenly find their long forgotten form they may be able to sneak a playoff win in.

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It would also lead to a series with New York Red Bulls, which would be great for the fans with a home game. That may also be a huge boost for MLS ratings, as Philly vs New York is always a big deal no matter the sport, and with the interesting games the two have played all season that seems like a great idea for everyone.

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