Philadelphia Union return home for clash with FC Dallas

The Philadelphia Union begin a short two-game homestead, beginning Saturday with a clash against FC Dallas.

The ins and outs:

Philadelphia Union (7-10-5) vs. FC Dallas (9-4-7)

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

Where to Watch: The Comcast Network (TCN)

Streaming: MLS Live

PRO Referees: Ricardo Salazar, Jeffrey Greeson (AR1), Kyle Longville (AR2), Jorge Gonzalez (AR4), Hilario Grajeda (VAR).

Coaches: Jim Curtin (Philadelphia Union) – Oscar Pareja (FC Dallas)

Union welcome FC Dallas to Talen with both sides coming off defeats:

The Philadelphia Union had a streaky week to close out the month of July. After a deserving 3-0 victory over the Columbus Crew on July 26th, the Union were handed a 3-0 defeat three days later in Foxborough, losing to the New England Revolution.

The Revs used a brace from Kei Kamara, followed up by a consolation goal from Juan Agudelo in the closing moments. Despite creative five shots on goal, the Union slumped to their 10th defeat of the season in MLS play. Their opponent this Saturday is FC Dallas, who comfortably sits in second place in the Western Conference. FCD saw a five-match unbeaten run snapped last Saturday vs. Vancouver, losing 4-0 surprisingly.

Oscar Pareja‘s men have taken 13 of their 34 points this season on the road, which is good for second in the Western Conference. However, the visitors will be missing two starters due to red and yellow card accumulation, respectively. Carlos Gruezo and Atiba Harris both will be serving one-match suspensions, starting with the August 5th clash in Chester.

Possible Lineups/Injury Report:
Goalkeeper Andre Blake is not expected to play for the Union on Saturday, as he recovers from a hand injury he suffered in the Gold Cup final. Maurice Edu and Fabian Herbers remain the lengthy absentees from the Union squad.

Next: Philadelphia Union face off with Revolution to close out July

Keys to the Game:

Stop the vicious Dallas attacking front
For the Philadelphia Union to have chance of avoiding a lopsided affair, they will need to control Dallas’ numerous attacking players. Kellyn Acosta is a dangerous midfielder that is a rising star in the MLS. Michael Barrios has eight assists this season, while Roland Lamah (eight goals) and Maxi Urruti (11 goals) have combined for 19 goals so far this season. The Union may not be able to quiet each attacking option that Dallas has in its arsenal, but they can frustrate the visitors and keep them on the backfoot on numerous occasions.
Player to Watch – John McCarthy
The former North Catholic High School and LaSalle University product has done an above average job, stepping in for Andre Blake. McCarthy has conceded six goals in five matches, but has made 19 saves in the month of July. The 25-year-old has performed well this season, and will be a huge factor if the Union want to keep FC Dallas off the scoreboard on Saturday night.

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