ESPN picked a great game to kick off their coverage of the MLS. Two attack minded teams that have the ability to put on a great show. Expect a lot of offense and a few goals. The Philadelphia Union open up the season in Portland as they take on the Timbers. The Union had an off season of change losing key players and bringing in a handful of signings. The Timbers brought in Kris Boyd who could possibly be the biggest signing of the off season.
It is hard to say who will start for the Union given that Nowak is an enigma and will start a wide array of players throughout the season. The starting lineup will change and expect players, who produce to be benched it is the Nowak way. Nowak wants big production from the youth movement so plan on seeing many youngsters on the pitch.
It is hard to say who will start for the Union given that Nowak is an enigma and will start a wide array of players throughout the season. The starting lineup will change and expect players, who produce to be benched it is the Nowak way. Nowak wants big production from the youth movement so plan on seeing many youngsters on the pitch.
Weaknesses: Portland may be fast and that speed gives many defenses problems but the Union possess some speed of their own. The biggest weakness for the Union will be set pieces for the Timbers. The Timbers are tall and are lethal from the set pieces. The Union need to maintain form and not commit any fouls in a dangerous area.
How The Union can win: The Union are going to need quick short passes to get the ball moving. The attacking midfielders need to get deep in the attacking third and create chances of their own. The Union attackers are going to need to be trigger happy shoot shoot shoot!
Projected Starters
Goalie: Zach McMath. Last year’s first round draft pick recorded 3 shutouts in 7 starts last year. Zach is projected to compete for an Olympic team spot and plant himself as one of the top goalies in the MLS. McMath can make athletic saves but lacks the control of the game that Mondragon possessed.
Defense: Sheanon Williams, Carlos Valdes, Danny Califf and Porfirio Lopez. Expect to see Lopez and Williams make runs up in the attacking third and acting as wingers at time. They are both athletic and talented defenders. Carlos Valdes is suspect at times and a tad bit in consistent but expect solid challenges. Captain ink will be the anchor and keep the defense together and working as one.
Midfield: Brian Carroll, Freddy Adu, Gabriel Gomez, and Farfan.
Brian Carroll and Gabriel Gomez are the only two guarantees for the Union in the midfield. The two defensive midfielders will need to win balls and provide quality service to the wingers/forwards. Freddy Adu will most likely start if so he can work on the wing or play just below the strikers. I feel that a Farfan will start not sure which one but both can provide
an attacking burst with some class crosses.
Striker: Mwanga and Pajoy. When the Union traded away LeToux they handed the keys to the offense to Danny. The former first round overall pick is looking to make his third year his first year he scores 10 goals. Look for new signing Pajoy to start up top with Danny.
Defense: Sheanon Williams, Carlos Valdes, Danny Califf and Porfirio Lopez. Expect to see Lopez and Williams make runs up in the attacking third and acting as wingers at time. They are both athletic and talented defenders. Carlos Valdes is suspect at times and a tad bit in consistent but expect solid challenges. Captain ink will be the anchor and keep the defense together and working as one.
Midfield: Brian Carroll, Freddy Adu, Gabriel Gomez, and Farfan.
Brian Carroll and Gabriel Gomez are the only two guarantees for the Union in the midfield. The two defensive midfielders will need to win balls and provide quality service to the wingers/forwards. Freddy Adu will most likely start if so he can work on the wing or play just below the strikers. I feel that a Farfan will start not sure which one but both can provide
an attacking burst with some class crosses.Striker: Mwanga and Pajoy. When the Union traded away LeToux they handed the keys to the offense to Danny. The former first round overall pick is looking to make his third year his first year he scores 10 goals. Look for new signing Pajoy to start up top with Danny.
Looking at the Opponent: The Timbers are looking to start off the season with a bang in front of the Timbers Army, who are some of the more intense fans in the league. It will be a crazy atmosphere in the Rose city but that is something the Union are used too. Timbers are a fast team with a strong attack coming out of the midfield.
Key Timbers Players:
Kris Boyd: The fo
rmer Rangers man is looking to score goals and generate offense. He may only be 28 years old but he has played in his fair share of big games don’t expect a nervous timid Boyd. Boyd is the all-time leading goal scorer for Rangers in Scotland with 101 goals.Diego Chara: The young Colombian speedster is looking to attack and dazzle the home crowd. He gave the Union a few problems last year being able to penetrate into the attacking third. Chara is looking to grow as a player in his second year as a Timber.
Futty Danso: Futty stands at a towering 6’3 making him an imposing force on the defense. His height also makes him a target on set pieces. Futty scored the lone goal in this fixture last season.
For fun: It is hard to think of this every time someone says Timbers or Spencer. Manager of the Timbers recorded a fairly funny commercial.
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