It’s no secret anymore that the Philadelphia Union have achieved major success in 2016. It is an odd contradiction to what everyone believed would happen to the team this season. A young defense with a non-existent and non-consistent attack along with a brand new front office would be major concerns. The team has overcome the constant questioning and the doubts of fans and pundits of the MLS world to currently claim first place in the Eastern Conference.
Union-Rapids Preview: The 2 Surprising Stories of MLS
But the Colorado Rapids are in a similar position. Their 8-2-3 record not only leads the Western Conference, but is best in the entire league. They also have yet to lose at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park. The Western Conference is by far superior to the East. If the San Jose Earthquakes were to somehow switch conferences mid season, they’d be in first place on 19 points. But in the West, they barely have a playoff position in sixth place. So to see that the Colorado Rapids are dominating their conference is impressive and a bit shocking.
The matchup on Saturday night in Colorado is an odd one, in that the circumstances surrounding the game are unusual. Both teams lead their respective conferences, which is in direct contrast of how they performed last year when both struggled at the bottom of the table. Despite Colorado having a solid goalkeeper in Clint Irwin and a strong defense that included Drew Moor (both went to Toronto in the off-season), the team lacked a solid midfield and a goal scoring striker.
They addressed those concerns in the offseason, picking up players that have been the catalysts so far. The acquisition of Albanian international forward Shkelzen Gashi gave the attack a boost. The midfield crisis was virtually solved when the Rapids traded with the New England Revolution for US international Jermaine Jones. He’s been on fire even with the six-game suspension he served to begin the season. And head coach Paolo Mastroeni is using him in a number ten role to surprising success.
The defense itself has been not to shabby led by former Union goalkeeper Zac MacMath, who leads the league in goals against average. Defenders Bobby Burling and sophomore center back Axel Sjöberg have held down the fort in front of MacMath. In July, Everton and US goalkeeper Tim Howard will join the team and add leadership.
Shkelzen Gashi and Jermaine Jones will miss the game due to Copa America and Euro 2016 duties respectively.
The Union are now on a six-game unbeaten streak dating back to their home win against NYCFC. In that time, the Union have tied both the LA Galaxy and the Montreal Impact, who at the time led the Eastern Conference. Last Friday, a Richie Marquez 90th minute goal gave the Union a 1-0 home win against D.C United. And on Wednesday, a controversial game against Orlando City ended up in a 2-2 draw thanks in part to Ken Tribbett’s first MLS goal. The Union have the momentum coming into this weekend’s meeting with the Rapids which is also Andre Blake’s last game before Copa America.
Tired legs from Wednesday night’s game will be a factor to watch for, particularly in the altitude.
