Section 215
Fansided

Philadelphia Union set to take on Orlando City SC

By Ricky Zellefrow

SANDY, UT - MARCH 14: Head coach Jim Curtin of the Philadelphia Union looks on during their game against the Real Salt Lake at Rio Tinto Stadium on March 14, 2015 in Sandy, Utah. (Photo by Gene Sweeney Jr/Getty Images)
SANDY, UT - MARCH 14: Head coach Jim Curtin of the Philadelphia Union looks on during their game against the Real Salt Lake at Rio Tinto Stadium on March 14, 2015 in Sandy, Utah. (Photo by Gene Sweeney Jr/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

Let’s take a look at a preview of the upcoming game for the Philadelphia Union against Orlando City SC.

After a decent start to the city, the Philadelphia Union are set to square off against Orlando City SC on Friday night in what should be quite the challenge for Jim Curtin’s squad. To help prepare for the game, let’s take a look at a preview of what to expect between the two teams.

The Ins and Outs

Philadelphia Union (1-2-1) VS Orlando City SC (2-2-1)

When: Friday at 8 PM Eastern – Talen Energy Stadium (Chester, PA)

Where to Watch: ESPN

PRO Referees: Head- Christopher Penso, AR1- Nick Uranga, AR2- Jeremy Keiso, 4th– Soren Stoica, VAR- Edvin Jurisevic

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

Win Games

After a rough draw against San Jose Earthquakes at home last weekend, the Union have a second game in primetime against Orlando City. With a lot of the attack in the game against San Jose, the Union were unable to score a second goal and get all the points in a big game. They will need to do so against a conference rival in Orlando City on Friday night to stay in early contention. While they looked good in the attack, the final ball was lacking and against a defense in Orlando that is letting in many goals this could be the game to get back on track.

The Lineups

The Union will likely continue for a second-straight week with the same lineup. The only possible change could be Matt Real to the bench in favor of Ray Gaddis, who did replace him in the San Jose game. That said this was likely a fitness thing, and a defensive form adaption rather than a play-based substitution. Real has looked strong in both performances, and has likely cemented his position as backup Left Back moving forward.

The Orlando side is a much-changed side from the one who lost to the Union in the season finale only a few months ago. They will have their work cut out for them, especially with a familiar foe in Sacha Kljestan. If they can continue to attack like the last game and score goals, they can finally get on track.

Keys to the Game

The key to this game will be putting the ball in the net. They had so many chances against San Jose, it was a crime they only scored once on the night. Simply, the Union must capitalize on their possession, and against an Orlando side without much defensive prowess this could be the real moment for the front 4 to show their abilities.

Next: 3 potential surprise picks for Eagles in first round

Player to Watch: David Accam

With all the talk of double teams on Accam, and being one of the big offseason additions it really seems a fitting week for the Ghanaian winger to be a big part of the Union attack. With perhaps the weaker Fullback behind him he has not been getting a lot of attacking help, but his inability to produce much thus far in the season has not gone unnoticed. A notable striking past led fans to believe he could be a big scoring threat, but so far, he has not been as much. It is time for that to come to fruition.

Home/Philadelphia Union