Philadelphia Union: Preview vs the FC Dallas Toros
To help prepare for Saturday’s game, let’s take a look at the preview for the upcoming game between Philadelphia Union and FC Dallas.
The Ins and Outs
Philadelphia Union (1-2-2) @ FC Dallas (2-3-0)
When: Saturday at 8 PM Eastern – Toyota Stadium (Frisco, TX)
Where to Watch: PHL17
PRO Referees: Head- Alan Kelly, AR1- CJ Morgante, AR2- Jeremy Hanson, 4th– Alejandro Mariscal, VAR- Luis Guardia
Coaches: Jim Curtin (Philadelphia Union) – Oscar Pareja (FC Dallas)
Points on the Road
It was a weak finish to a two-week home stand for the Philadelphia Union with a 2-0 Friday night loss to Orlando City. With the lackluster finishing and at times porous defending the Union looked at good in the last game, but mostly bad. Now they need to forget the last few games and go into a match with FC Dallas. While not the opponent that seems likely to give them a lot of hope, a strong defensive performance could go a long way in strong future performances.
The Lineups
The lineup will likely stay the same for a fourth straight match with only one possible change. That could be at Right Center Back with Jack Elliott out of training for much of the week. Elliott has been strong for much of the early season but has had moments of bad play. Many of the goals let in can be attributed to him in the past three matches. Mark McKenzie played well in his period of play, in his first Major League Soccer appearance. He will be called upon to start alongside Auston Trusty if Elliott cannot go. This would shatter the youngest defensive lineup in league history for a second time this season.
On the injury front, it looks like Fabinho is back, but will not likely be ready for game day. Ray Gaddis could get a road start for Mathew Real, but Jim Curtin seems to like what he has seen, if not with results. Oliver Mbaizo could also factor in at that position considering his recent signing after his early-season injury.
Next: Philadelphia Union set to take on Orlando City SC
Player to Watch: CJ Sapong
The big factor in this game could be at forward. While the attack has had its moments in the last few games, the results have not come. The team really needs to score, and that starts with their center forward, CJ Sapong. While in recent weeks the chance creation has been plenty, the result has been one goal in the last four games. Besides the season opener, the team has looked unable to score. That has a lot to do with who you have closest to the goal. Sapong will need to score goals if the team has any chance of competing.