The Derby

This week is derby for the Philadelphia Union as they head up 1-95 to take on the New York Red Bulls. Just a quick disclaimer for those of you who do not know the NYRB do not play in NY they in play in Harrison New Jersey. NYRB sit in second place, one point behind  Eastern leaders Sporting KC. The Union currently 11 points back from the final playoff spot but have 3 games in hand. The Union are on a current run of  form winning three league games in a row. The Union are not in panic mode yet, but a result in NY would go a long way to helping the cause.

This game will, be intense so much at steak. This rivalry gets intense and is showing to be one of the better ones in MLS. The only thing missing is an away victory for the Union. Red Bull has already beat the Union at PPL earlier this year and now its time for revenge. Any result for the Union would be great, and add even more fuel  to this budding rivalry.

With the Red Bulls acquiring former Union star Le Toux from Vancouver NYRB have hands down the most potent and explosive attack in the MLS. All star Thierry Henry, and  Kenny Cooper have a combined 21 goals this season. The Red Bull attack is lethal, Henry is a clinical finisher, Cooper has a good shot along and uses his size in the air well. Le Toux is a speed predator and is a proven finisher. The Union will have their hands full defensively with this one.

Looking at NYRB as a whole they have been slacking of late tho. They look heavy legged a lot like the Union did on Sunday but the difference is NYRB had a game on Wednesday against Chicago. It was a 1PM game that had the Red Bulls playing in excessive heat. It looked painful for the players to be out in the heat. Although the Red Bulls won the game it was not impressive or pretty. Who knows how their legs will be after 3 games in 6 days.Not to mention Red Bull are without “star” defender Rafa Marquez who is expected to miss the next few games with a calf injury. Red Bull are also without their goalie Ryan Meara. 

Keys for the Union: The Union have to be resilient and wear the down the NYRB attack. Defensively the Union are going to need to be on their best and mind their P’s and Q’s. A big weakness for the Union is set peices and New York has some height. If the Union can play intelligent defense and limit the set piece opportunities they should be able to manage the Red Bull attack. A lot of pressure lies on captain Carlos to be the general and make sure Williams and Garfan are in place.

Brian Carroll is going to have to be the man in the midfield, he is going to have to win balls and facilitate the game flow. It is up to Carroll as the holding midfield to be solid on the ball, in the last few games his passing has been off. The rest of the midfield is going to have to hold width make fast and quick passes. The Union are going to need to make alot of overlapping runs and generate from outside in.

The most important key for the Union to win is to shoot the ball. They need to absolutely pepper the goal and shoot from all angles. If they can keep pressure on and keep the shots flowing the Union will eventually nab a goal. NYRB do not have the greatest defense and they are prone to make mistakes. It is not all on the attackers up top, the midfield also most create chances and shots on their own.  If the Union snag a lead early on it is absolutely crucial for them to keep the pressure on. Look at the Montreal, and LA game. Yes, they won those game but they gave up goals while trying to hold a lead.

Prediction: Inspired play leads the Union to a magnificent and historic victory.