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Philadelphia Union: ‘Boys in Blue’ travel to D.C. United

By Larry Henry

Mar 18, 2017; Orlando, FL, USA; Philadelphia Union midfielder Derrick Jones (21) dribbles up field against the Orlando City SC during the first half at Orlando City Stadium. Orlando City SC defeated Philadelphia Union 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Matt Stamey-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 18, 2017; Orlando, FL, USA; Philadelphia Union midfielder Derrick Jones (21) dribbles up field against the Orlando City SC during the first half at Orlando City Stadium. Orlando City SC defeated Philadelphia Union 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Matt Stamey-USA TODAY Sports /
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Following the close of March’s international break, the Philadelphia Union return to MLS action on Saturday as they travel to struggling D.C. United.

The Ins and Outs

D.C. United (0-1-2) vs. Philadelphia Union (0-2-1)

When: Saturday at 7:00 p.m. Eastern Time – RFK Stadium (Washington, D.C.)

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

PRO Referees: Ricardo Salazar, Ian Anderson (AR1), Peter Balciunas (AR2), Sorin Stoica (AR4).

Coaches: Ben Olsen (D.C. United) – Jim Curtin (Philadelphia Union).

More from Philadelphia Union

A Must-Win This Weekend
In their opening three matches, the Philadelphia Union are still searching for their first win of the season. Luckily for them, their opponents are in the same boat. The Philadelphia Union have not played bad in their opening three matches, and are coming off a 2-1 road defeat in Orlando back on March 18th. Despite allowing a brace to Cyle Larin, the Union barely missed out on a late point. After a week-and-a-half off from MLS action, Philadelphia should be well-rested and ready to go for tomorrow’s showdown in D.C.

As for the hosts, D.C. United are also searching for their first win of the 2017 campaign. However, Ben Olsen‘s side has not scored a goal offensively yet, and have are averaging two goals allowed so far. Playmaker Luciano Acosta returned to the D.C. lineup on Mar. 18, and should give Olson’s bunch some needed creativity. Winger Lloyd Sam is also a player to watch offensively, while goalkeeper Bill Hamid is no slouch despite a slow start in between the pipes.

Physicality mixed with some Creativity
Overall, this match-up will come down to whoever wants it more.. the Philadelphia Union need to be that side. Traveling to RFK Stadium is always tough and Jim Curtin‘s side should not underestimate their opponent, no matter how bad their start has been. I feel for the Union to be successful, they need to be physical from the get-go and frustrate the hosts for the full 90+ minutes. Acosta and Sam are two players that the Union need to keep a close eye on, while defensively the Union just need to play smart. Offensively, Fabian Herbers and Alejandro Bedoya will need to use their creative play to produce chances towards goal. They are going up against a leaky back-line and chances are that D.C. United will slip up at some moment again.

Possible Lineups: 
Joshua Yaro and Maurice Edu remain inactive for the team as they recover from respective surgeries. #2 keeper John McCarthy also looks out for Saturday’s match due to a concussion. Ilsinho could also see time and may be a late addition to the starting XI. For the most part, the Union’s starting XI should look a lot the same.

Keys to Victory:

  • Get after D.C.’s backline – The first key should not be hard to understand. Going up against a shaky defense, Philadelphia should be on the attack for most of the match. They need to create chances to score, while also being smart and compact in the back-end. Offensively, the pace of Fabian Herbers and Chris Pontius should cause problems for D.C.’s wingbacks, while Bedoya’s leadership in the midfield should help for sure. C.J. Sapong needs to be physical in front of goal while taking chances himself when able.
  • Be confident in the back – Other than Larin’s two tap-in’s in Orlando, the Union played well defensively in their third match. The centerback partnership of Oguchi Onyewu and Richie Marquez seems to be working well, while Derrick Jones and Haris Medunjanin have provided a nice shield in front of the back-line. The 19-year-old Jones really has stood out in the midfield, taking the most of his opportunity and not backing down to anyone. I expect this back-line to once again be confident on the road while limiting the hosts to few chances offensively.

Next: Philadelphia Union: Is this the week that Ilson Jr returns to the starting lineup?

Despite a loss two weekends ago in Orlando, I expect the Union to get their first victory of the season on Saturday. D.C. United have shown that they are leaky at the back, and the Philadelphia Union provide a handful of talented players in the starting XI. Being at home may be an advantage for Olson’s side, but the Union should return home on Saturday with a valuable three points.

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