Philadelphia Union travel to Orlando City looking for first win

After two consecutive draws to kick off the 2017 Major League Soccer regular season, the Philadelphia Union seek their first win as they travel to face Orlando City on Saturday.

The Ins and Outs

Orlando City F.C. (1-0-0) vs. Philadelphia Union (0-2-0)

When: Saturday at 7:30 p.m. Eastern Time – Orlando City Stadium (Orlando, FL)

Where to watch: CSN, MLS Live (U.S.).

PRO Referees: Fotis Bazakos, CJ Morgante (AR1), Danny Thornberry (AR2), Silviu Petrescu (AR4)

Coaches: Jason Kreis (Orlando City) – Jim Curtin (Philadelphia Union).

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The Victories Start Now:

After an uneventful season opener in Vancouver two weeks ago, the Union played a lot better against Toronto last weekend. Both C.J. Sapong and Jay Simpson got on the goal-sheet, despite Simpson leaving the match with a rib injury. Fabian Herbers had a sneaky good performance setting up the tying goal by Sapong, while the partnership of Richie Marquez and Oguchi Onyewu seemed solid enough to earn a point.

With Orlando star midfielder Kaka likely to be out with a hamstring problem, the main focus for the Union will be to limit Cyle Larin‘s chances toward goal. The Canadian international has tallied 32 league goals in his three seasons with the club, and should be well rested after his side’s cancellation last weekend due to weather.

Marquez vs. Larin

As the Union try to limit another top striker’s chances this weekend, defender Richie Marquez will be at the center of the Union defense to try to do so. The 24-year-old has done well in the first two matches this season, and will have another tough customer in Cyle Larin to deal with this weekend.

Larin brings a talented skill set to the pitch and can beat you a number of ways. He has good pace, while he isn’t afraid to test the keeper from long-range. Just like any striker, Larin also feeds on close range efforts and rebounds, so Marquez will need a great performance on Larin for Jim Curtin’s side to have a chance at three points.

Possible Lineups:

Both Joshua Yaro (shoulder surgery) and Maurice Edu (left ankle/tibia surgery) are expected to be out again for the Union, while Charlie Davies (left ankle sprain), Ilsinho (left hamstring strain) and Ken Tribbett (right Achilles strain) are questionable.

Keys to Victory

Cyle Larin must be double covered in front of goal – The Orlando City forward is a deadly attacking threat and will see his role increase due to Kaka’s injury. Whenever Orlando has possession deep in Union territory, the Union must have Larin watched closely and double-covered. If he isn’t shut down or limited to long-range efforts, then Saturday’s match could get lopsided.

Allow Herbers to run the show – Fabian Herbers had a strong performance a week ago, and should expect to see the same role this week. The German winger provides a nice threat down the flanks, and could be a key factor in the Union’s attacking scheme in Orlando. I feel that Herbers could very well provide some great distribution to C.J. Sapong inside the box, which could give Philly a strong chance at netting some goals.

Keep pestering the opposition

– With Kaka out, the Union can very much frustrate the Orlando City midfield with constant pressure. I expect

Antonio Nocerino

to see a lot of the ball with the Brazilian’s absence, so the Union will need to pressure the Italian at any chance. Offensively, they need to be physical inside the box with Orlando City defenders, while also pestering

Joe Bendik

on corners and free-kicks.

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After a strong showing last week against one of the MLS’ best sides, I expect the Union to earn their first win of the season. With Kaka out, and not a real deadly midfielder to take his place, I see Orlando having trouble creating chances against a stubborn Union back-line.

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