The Philadelphia Union will try to extend their home undefeated streak this Saturday when they face Real Salt Lake at 4 PM eastern time. This will be RSL’s 3rd game in 8 days. Last Saturday they defeated the Whitecaps 2-0 at home. On Wednesday night they traveled to Columbus to take on the Crew and were defeated 2-1. The Union are riding a 3 game undefeated streak in which they’ve earned 7 points. Last Saturday they came from behind against the Colorado Rapids to secure a valuable point on the road. In 2010 the Union lost to RSL 3-0 in Salt Lake and tied 1-1 at PPL Park.
Real Salt Lake comes to PPL Park in 4th place in the Western Conference, 10 points behind the LA Galaxy, but have 5 games in hand due to them reaching the finals on the CONCACAF Champions League. RSL started the season strong, but ever since losing in the Champions League final they have struggled. They are 2-2-1 on the road. The Union will be facing a RSL team that is not a full strength. They are without the services of Javier Morales and Paulo Araujo Jr. due to injury. They also will be missing Alvaro Saborio, Arturo Alvarez, and Will Johnson who are representing their country in the CONCACAF Gold Cup. RSL’s defense has been strong this year. They have only allowed 6 goals this season, but 4 of those have come in their last 3 matches. RSL has 3 players tied for the team lead in goals but only one is active, Fabian Espindola. They are averaging about 1 goal per game. Despite their resent form and missing players, RSL is a strong team that cannot be overlooked.
Philadelphia come back home with 4 points from their road trip, and their offense is starting to click. Danny Mwanga scored a big goal last week in Colorado making him the team leader for goals scored (4). Sebastien LeToux may not have found his goal scoring form from last year but he has 4 assists which leads the team. Last week Jack McInerney got his 1st start of the season and played solid. With Carlos Ruiz away on international duty in the Gold Cup, Union fans can expect to see more of the young forward. Defensive midfielder Amobi Okugo is still out with an ankle injury. Justin Mapp who has seen his play improve recently and has been a key player in the Union’s offensive upswing is listed as questionable after picking up a groin injury against the Rapids. The Union’s backline has been their strength all season. Carlos Valdes has anchored the defense but didn’t get rewarded by the media as he was left off of the MLS All-Star ballot along with Sheanon Williams who has been playing stellar. The presence of goalkeeper Faryd Mondragon has been a driving force for Philadelphia. His ability to keep the team focused and direct play from the back has given the Union a different dimension to their game that they were lacking last season. The Union can expect another hard fought match and are going to have to give a great team effort in order to earn 3 points against Real Salt Lake.
(image courtesy of Getty Images)
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