The Union head to Texas to take on FC Dallas this weekend in a crucial match. Philly needs to start picking up points especially after the tough loss to NYRB. Despite the tough loss to NYRB, the Union’s offense had their best outing netting two goals and creating many opportunities. For the first time Philly had two strikers up top and that helped generate offense.
Both the Union and FCD are shorthanded with players out on suspension. Dallas are without all stars Zach Loyd and Brek Shea along with starting defender Ugo Ihemelu. Philadelphia are without Freddy Adu, who is serving a suspension for the red card he received.
Prediction: Union tie 1-1
The Union, are going up against a team that normally has one striker up top. That plays into the game plan of the Union. They should be able to quell Dallas’s attack and if the offense shows up like it did against NY the Union should be able to score. I expect that the Union would be controlling the tempo at times and take the lead. But given recent trends of the Union expect a formation change that will inevitable cost the Union.
US Open Cup:
The Union are going to host either the Rochester Rhinos or Brookyln Italians in the first round of the US Open Cup. Rhinos are one of the more successful clubs from the USL pro division and historically have been a decent cup team. The Rhinos finished top of the table last season in USL pro. The Brooklyn Italians from the NPSL are a historically successful open cup team winning it in 1979 and 1991.
The game will be on Tuesday May 29th at 7:30 and tickets cost just $15. This is the Union’s first home game in the open cup having lost both opening round games in the last two years. This year is also the first year the Union play a non MLS team in the cup.
Oddly enough the US Open Cup may be just what the Union need. Their always seems to be a struggling team that flourishes in cup play. The more games means more opportunities for the youth to get experience . A far run in cup play could contribute greatly to the development of the younger players.
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