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Philadelphia Union versus New York Red Bulls Preview

By Ricky Zellefrow

May 17, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Union midfielder Haris Medunjanin (6) makes a point to an official during against the Houston Dynamo the second half at Talen Energy Stadium. The Union defeated the Dynamo, 2-0. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
May 17, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Union midfielder Haris Medunjanin (6) makes a point to an official during against the Houston Dynamo the second half at Talen Energy Stadium. The Union defeated the Dynamo, 2-0. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Philadelphia Union prepare for a Father’s Day bout with the New York Red Bulls.

The Ins and Outs

Philadelphia Union (4-4-6) @ New York Red Bulls (6-2-7)

When: Sunday at 5 PM Eastern – Talen Energy Stadium (Chester, PA)

Where to Watch: ESPN

PRO Referees: Allen Champan, Kyle Atkins (AR1), Oscar Mitchell-Carvalho (AR2), Ted Unkel (4th)

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

Getting Back on Track

Before the international break, the Philadelphia Union lost twice with a streak-killing loss in Salt Lake, and a second loss on the road in Yankee Stadium. Now the Union return home to play the other team from New York, the Red Bulls.

Their first meeting this season was a 3-0 victory for the Union, the first win of the season, and the beginning of their longest winning streak in team history. The Union will hope that the second meeting of the season will spark another string of wins.

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For their part ,the New York Red Bulls have not been the team many expect from the perennial Eastern Conference contenders. Sacha Kljestan has looked off for much of the season, and Bradley Wright-Phillips has not been banging in the goals at his usual pace. Much like the Union though the Red Bulls won their mid-week U.S. Open Cup matchup and will likely look to use that to springboard their season. The matchup pits two teams looking to get hot with a few more matches before another international break.

The Lineups

The Union likely have a full contingent of players available as many of the previous injuries are back, with only Fabian Herbers and Warren Creavalle questionable before Sunday’s match. Based on Wednesday’s matchup with Harrisburg it seems likely that the strongest lineup will be sent out, with very few changes from the final week before the international break.

Keys to the Game: The Red Bulls like to push the tempo and press and the biggest key to defending against that is not letting them get any goals before they wear themselves out. Twice now in the past year the Union have been able to stave off early advances and then score multiple late goals to get points against the New York side. Notably in the first game this season C.J. Sapong scored a hat-trick late in the second half. The most important thing for the Union will be to continue to be defensively sound and set their team up for late opportunities on goal.

Next: Union take down Harrisburg

Player to Watch: Haris Medunjanin

Although a favorite pick to watch will be hat-trick hero, C.J. Sapong, the big player to watch is the Union’s ball playing midfielder. A big part of the team’s attack Haris will also have to be a big part of their defense in this game. The Red Bulls press will likely give him less time to play the ball, and to press his decision making. If he can keep the distribution consistent, and keep defensively sound the chances of the Union attaining three points from this game is very high.

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