Winless Philadelphia Union face off with NYRB at home

The Philadelphia Union earned a point in L.A. a week ago, and now look to earn their first win of the season in Saturday’s home date with the New York Red Bulls.

The Ins and Outs

Philadelphia Union (0-4-4) vs. New York Red Bulls (5-1-4)

When: Saturday at 7:00 p.m. Eastern Time – Talen Energy Stadium (Chester, PA)

Where to watch: The Comcast Network, Spectrum Sports Net

Streaming: MLS Live

PRO Referees: Silviu Petrescu, Cameron Blanchard (AR1), Jonathan Johnson (AR2), Ted Unkel (AR4).

Coaches: Jim Curtin (Philadelphia Union) – Jesse Marsch (New York Red Bulls)

A Victory Could Jump Start the Season

As we head towards the first weekend of May, the Philadelphia Union still remain the only winless team in Major League Soccer. Jim Curtin’s side left Los Angeles with a point last weekend, which now gives them four points on the season. The Union have drawn their last two matches, which ended a four game losing streak. The Union return to Chester this weekend for a huge Eastern Conference showdown with the New York Red Bulls, which could jump-start the season if the hosts come away with three points.

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The Red Bulls are coming off a 2-0 road loss against Sporting KC on Wednesday, but saw a lot of starters rested for this weekend’s match. Jesse Marsch’s side concluded April on a three match winning streak, over the likes of the Chicago Fire, Columbus Crew, and D.C. United. Bradley Wright-Phillips leads the team with four goals, while U.S. international Sacha Kljestan has chipped in three assists. If the Union want to avoid falling into a deeper hole, a victory over hated rivals NYRB on Saturday could very well spark a resurgence.

Possible lineups:

Maurice Edu and Joshua Yaro remain the two long-term absentees from the Union’s line-up. Both are recovering from off-season surgeries, with either yet to play a match this season. Defender Richie Marquez and midfielder Ilsinho are questionable, as both are dealing with illness. Defender Ken Tribbett is also questionable, after recovering from an ankle sprain.

Keys to the game:

Be aggressive on the attack: The main attacking plan for the Union is to take chances and be aggressive. For a team struggling to score goals, the Union need to create chances from anywhere in the Red Bulls’ half. In their last home match, the Union scored three goals but had to settle for a point. C.J. Sapong‘s physical presence should create some difficulty for the Red Bulls centerbacks. Fafa Picault and Chris Pontius add some durability on the flanks, while Roland Alberg brings a creative spark to the midfield. If the Union take a lead, they cannot afford to sit on that lead.

Do not sit on a lead against NYRB: Despite their midweek road defeat in Kansas City, the New York Red Bulls cannot be taken lightly. They possess two of the top players in Major League Soccer, and should be in the Eastern Conference playoff hunt later this season. The Union blew a 3-0 lead two weeks ago against Montreal, and will look to avoid anything like that against NYRB. Jim Curtin’s defense needs to be tight from the get go and prepare for a lot of service to Bradley Wright-Phillips.

Next: Philadelphia Union: The Ole Onionbag (mailbag) week seven

Player to Watch: Bradley Wright-Phillips (NYRB)
The 32-year-old forward has been a top forward in MLS since joining NYRB in 2013. After only nine appearances in his first season, Wright-Phillips has scored 78 league goals since 2014. He is a physical forward that can beat you with his feet or his head. He is aggressive on free-kicks, while also posing the ability to shake a defender and rip one home inside or outside of the box. Going up against a shaky Union defense on Saturday, Wright-Phillips will be very excited to get after them and find the back of the net.

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