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Philadelphia Union: Looking at upcoming game against Toronto FC

By Ricky Zellefrow

ZAPOPAN, MEXICO - APRIL 25: Michael Bradley of Toronto FC drives the ball during the second leg match of the final between Chivas and Toronto FC as part of CONCACAF Champions League 2018 at Akron Stadium on April 25, 2018 in Zapopan, Mexico. (Photo by Hector Vivas/Getty Images)
ZAPOPAN, MEXICO - APRIL 25: Michael Bradley of Toronto FC drives the ball during the second leg match of the final between Chivas and Toronto FC as part of CONCACAF Champions League 2018 at Akron Stadium on April 25, 2018 in Zapopan, Mexico. (Photo by Hector Vivas/Getty Images) /
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After a big home win against DC United the Philadelphia Union have a lot on their table heading into their first road trip of the season.

The Philadelphia Union head north to Canada to face the reigning champions in the Toronto FC. Both teams have started off the season rather poor, but the Union will look to get some key road points against a weakened Toronto side early in the season.

The Ins and Outs

Philadelphia Union (2-2-3) @ Toronto FC (1-1-4)

When: Friday at 8 PM Eastern – BMO Field (Toronto, Ontario)

Where to Watch: PHL17

PRO Referees: Head- Jose Carlos Rivero, AR1- Adam Wienckowski, AR2- Gianni Facchini, 4th– Marcos Deoliveira, VAR: Geoff Gamble

Coaches: Jim Curtin (Philadelphia Union) – Mikael Stahre (San Jose Earthquakes)

Character on the Road

The road is tough over the next few weeks with three away matches, with Friday being in Toronto, Wednesday in Columbus, and next Saturday in Montreal. After a tough trek at home with only a win to show from the last few weeks, the Union will have to show something on the road. While the win was impressive, a lowly DC United team is not much to hang your hat on. If that form would continue against a team as strong as Toronto, things could be turning around.

Related Story: 3 reasons Game 2 was worst game of Simmons career

The Lineups

There are a lot of questions around the lineup. Ilsinho started for Fafa Picault the past weekend after some impressive bench performances. His strong start makes it seem likely that he could once again start this weekend. Fabinho is also likely to return from injury, though he may just join the bench given the relative strength of Toronto. The interesting thing will really be who Toronto has, with Michael Bradley potential being needed at Center Bac,k the Union could look to use more pace with Picault and David Accam. That said, a more powerful Wing-Forward like Corey Burke could be used to wear down a depleted Toronto back line.

Keys to the Game

With Toronto’s early season marked by a Champions’ league performance, injuries and not caring as much about the league this could be a big game for them to truly start their league campaign. That said, the biggest thing for the Union will be not letting them do that. Stay strong defensively, and get your chances in the net. If they can manage to do that they could get ahead of a rather depleted Toronto side and keep them from doing well.

Next: Grading top NFC East picks in 2018 NFL Draft

Player to Watch: David Accam

David Accam has had his moments this season but for the most part he has lacked in the final third. The thing is with the recent form of Ilsinho, Accam could also be on the starting lineup chopping block. Being the big offseason move, many Union fans hoped he could score and make goals happen, but that has not come to much fruition. He is at the point in the early season where he needs to start being more than just a mostly effective player.

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