The Union head home to face 6th place Toronto Football Club on Saturday. The Union are coming off a 1-1 draw in Columbus and Toronto is coming off a big 2-2 draw against Dallas. The Union are looking to have a strong display against the Canadian side and build off the attack displayed in Columbus. The Union were able to create a number of chances but were unable to capitalize on them. So expect a heavy Union attack. The Union are going to go out and do everything to win this game. A home team looking to build momentum, this game offers up the perfect opportunity.
TFC are historically a team towards the bottom of the table but have been able to string together a decent start to the season. They are coming off a game where they showed great resolve and came back from a two goal deficit to end up in a 2-2 tie. Newcomer Robert Earnshaw has four goals and is proving himself to have a nose for goal. Although TFC are having a decent start they still only have one victory in this early season and have not recorder a shut out all season.
The Union’s strong defense should prevail and keep the Red Patch Boys at bay. With Parke and Okugo holding down the fort and limiting the opportunities created. Philly only has one shut out on the season and this game is a perfect opportunity for a second. A shut out brings stability and would do wonders for the confidence of goalie Mac Math. Shutouts are important they provide confidence to the goalie and defense and keep pressure off the midfield and offense to create a goal. The Union should not have given up that goal last week.
Moving up top it will be interesting to see who Hack starts; he benched Le Toux and started Casey alongside of Jack McInerney who scored the tap in goal. Hackworth has options but who will he start? Will he go two attacking or three? It would be interesting to see Hackworth bring Le Toux, McInerney and Casey all at the same time or just have Casey and Le Toux. They Union have depth with Hoppenot off the bench. Ideally I would like to see Cruz benched and Le Toux play in his position.
This is a game the Union should win, they need to come out and give a strong performance, the midfield need to dominate and if they do not win it will cost them. After this home game they are on the road in DC and New England. Those games will be huge road games and the Union need the three points in the bank before hand. This game is very winnable and the Union have a chance to make a statement. It would be great to see them play and score a few goals hold possession and then give players like Roger Torres, and Kleberson a chance to play.
Projected Lineup.
——–MacMath
Gaddis-Parke-Okugo-Williams
————-Carrol—————Keon—————MarFan
LeToux——Casey——Mcinerney
This game marks the return of Danny Califf, who was the Union’s first captain. ”Captain Ink”, as he is called, was the face of the franchise for the first two years before a peculiar trade sent him to Chivas. Califf was one of the most loved players at his time and still has a strong connection with the fans. It will be an emotional event for both player and fan. Expect nothing less then a standing ovation. Danny was a hardworking, hard-hitting player that embodied the spirit of the city. Danny will forever be beloved and cherished.
Although he did not want to leave and the fans did not want him to leave it was the best in the end for the team. Califf who is in the twilight of his career, would not be seeing the pitch very often when the Union have players like Parke, Okugo, and Soumare. Even though he wouldn’t be seeing the pitch almost ever Union fan would welcome him back with open arms. Califf has hinted at being a coach and it would be an interesting fit if he were to return to Philly in a managerial role.
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