Section 215
Fansided

Philadelphia Union vs Toronto FC Match Preview

By Chuck Booth

Sep 24, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Philadelphia Union goalkeeper Andre Blake (1) jumps to save the ball in the second half against Toronto FC in the second half at BMO Field. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Sousa-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 24, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Philadelphia Union goalkeeper Andre Blake (1) jumps to save the ball in the second half against Toronto FC in the second half at BMO Field. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Sousa-USA TODAY Sports /
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Wake up its time for the second playoff appearance in Philadelphia Union history! They’ll be taking on Toronto FC at BMO field.

The Ins and Outs:

Philadelphia Union (11-13-9 [42 points] 6th in East) vs. Toronto FC (14-11-9 [53 points] 3rd in East)

When: Wednesday at 7:30pm – BMO Field (Toronto, CA)

Where to watch: ESPN 2, Unimas, TSN 2 (Canada)

PRO Referees: Baldomero Toledo, C.J. Morgante(AR1), Ian Anderson (AR2), Silviu Petrescu (4th)

Coaches: Jim Curtin (Philadelphia) – Greg Vanney (Toronto)

It’s a new season:

Philadelphia Union
Oct 23, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; New York Red Bulls midfielder Dax McCarty (11) collides with Philadelphia Union midfielder Brian Carroll (7) during the second half at Talen Energy Stadium. The Red Bulls won 2-0. Mandatory Credit: Derik Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports /

Much talk has been made about the Philadelphia Union’s end to the season and to say it was disappointing is an understatement. The team only collected two points in their final seven games and backed into the playoffs. At this point, anything can happen. In the Philadelphia Union’s last meeting with Toronto (also at BMO Field) they pulled out a 2-2 draw. Even though Toronto were without Giovinco I’d expect the Union to employ the high press again.

If the Philadelphia Union mess with the midfield balance for Toronto they may have a chance. It may not be a good one but stranger things have happened.

Farewell Runs:

More from Philadelphia Union

Another motivating factor for the Philadelphia Union is that each game in the playoffs could be the last game for Tranquillo Barnetta in MLS. With him returning to FC St. Gallen come season’s end, you can bet that his teammates want to send him home in style. Barnetta has meant so much to the Philadelphia Union here and the only proper farewell would be to have at least one home playoff game.

Brian Carroll is another member of the Philadelphia Union who could be hanging up his cleats at the end of the season. The 35-year-old has amassed over 350 appearances in MLS but often his impact in games is understated. That mainly happens because he relies on his positioning skills to make interceptions instead of making last ditch tackles.

Sending both of these guys off with a win would be huge for the Philadelphia Union.

Possible lineups:

It looks like Joshua Yaro is out of this one with a concussion and that Warren Creavalle could also miss out on the game with a concussion but most of the other questionable players would likely play.

Click here for a potential lineup.

Keys to victory (besides this awesome hype video):

  • Frustrate the Toronto Midfield – Since stopping Jozy Altidore and Sebastian Giovinco is easier said than done, the best bet for the Philadelphia Union is to stop the ball before it gets to them. If they are able to pressure Micheal Bradley at the base of the midfield diamond, the Union can create some clear scoring chances.
  • Take Advantage of Set Pieces – The Philadelphia Union have great threats on set pieces in Barnetta, Bedoya, and Alberg. Those three will have to step up in dead ball situations because the Toronto defense doesn’t allow many chances from open play. If the Union can create scoring opportunities from set pieces, they may have a chance.

    • Play Without Pressure

    – This goes without saying but no one expected the Philadelphia Union to make the playoffs. On the flip side of that coin, the high-priced Toronto lineup is expected to win MLS Cup. Thanks to that, all the pressure is on Toronto in this matchup but Philadelphia can play their game.

    Next: Keegan Rosenberry, Ironman

    This won’t be an easy game but the Philadelphia Union can get a result here. They’ve shown flashes during the season but haven’t been able to put together a full 90 minute performance in a while. If the Union can snag an early goal however, this game might get interesting.

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