In an event that is shocking Philadelphia soccer fans as well as MLS fans, the Philadelphia Union are second in the Eastern Conference table; only trailing the Montreal Impact by a goal. The Union are currently 3W-2L-0T for nine points. Coming into last week’s Orlando City match up, they had cooled down thanks to a loss in snowy Chicago against the Chicago Fire. After starting the season on two huge wins, the loss hurt but did not discourage the team. Coming back home, it was pertinent that winning a point against a hot Orlando team was needed.
Philadelphia vs Orlando City Rewind
The Line-up against Orlando looked like this:
GK: Andre Blake
RB: Keegan Rosenberry
CB: Richie Marquez
CB: Ken Tribbett
LB: Fabinho
CDM: Vincent Nogueira- In for suspended Warren Creavalle
CDM: Brian Carroll
LM: Chris Pontius
CAM: Roland Alberg
RM: Sebastien Le Toux- In for injured Illsinho
ST: C.J. Sapong
After only three minutes of game time, C.J. Sapong pounced on a botched clearance and gave the Union a 1-0 lead very early in the game. That would be both his third goal of the season and his third goal at home. The game stayed quiet for a while until the 43rd minute when Adrian Winter scored a technically sound goal. His first touch took the ball over Keegan Rosenberry’s head and Winter slotted the ball in the bottom right corner of the net.
Going into halftime, Orlando had the momentum. That momentum continued as Orlando had multiple chances in the second half to score but could not convert. In the 90th minute, a foul was called just outside Orlando’s 18-yard box. Tranquillo Barnetta, in just his second appearance this year, stepped up to the ball. Earlier in the game, around the 73rd-minute mark, a free kick opportunity was wasted by Barnetta. This time, he did not disappoint.
Barnetta sent the ball around the wall and post and down into the net to win the game at the death. Though in true 2010-15 Union fashion, the team almost blew the lead as keeper Andre Blake again saved the day and made a crucial save to preserve the win in injury time.
Union Report: Philadelphia vs Orlando City Rewind; Sounders Preview
This week, the Union travel cross country to Seattle to play Clint Dempsey and the Seattle Sounders. This game is an odd one as usually the Sounders are near the top of the table and the Union near the bottom. The Sounders have not played well this year and are in dead last in the Western Conference on four points. In five games, the team has only scored four goals, only one of which has come from a forward, Dempsey. In those five games as well, the team has not scored more than once. The Union’s all-time record against the Sounders is even at 3W-3L-2T. This game will be their only meeting this season.
Things to look out for during the game:
1. How will the young back four hold against lethal Clint Dempsey and Nelson Valdez if he plays?
2. Will Vincent Nogueira get his starting spot back over Warren Creavalle
3. Will C.J Sapong continue his hot start to the season?
4 Will Andre Blake save the day again?
Main Photo: Drew Hallowell, Getty Images
