Ill Timed Friendly?

(Photo: astonvillausa.org)

The Philadelphia Union are on a three game winning streak in league play and really making a push for the playoffs. There is lots of positivity heading into the big game against rivals NYRB. The U play a friendly against Aston Villa Wednesday night. This is possibly the worse time to have a friendly for the Union. They have been playing lots of games recently and grinding out results but fatigue is showing.

The Union have heavy legs and it showed against KC and Montreal. There was a lot of sloppy passes and inconsistent play between players. Freddy Adu was subbed out at half time of the Montreal game due to a leg injury. Tired legs in hot weather can lead to injury. Not to mention Torres and Gomez are slowly getting back to fitness. With those two out other players have been logging in extra minutes.

On a personal level, I would like the Union to focus solely on the big derby coming up against the Red Bulls. It’s a massive game considering the Union are fighting up from the cellar. I am well aware that the Union will most likely be using a squad that is filled with youth players and people who do not get a lot of minutes. I don’t care! This makes the MLS and the Union look bad. We schedule a friendly on the same week as a big game. Aston Villa are not even a big name team they finished 16th last season. It is not like the Union are playing against Madrid or Man United. This game is not for everyone, as much as I think it’s cool to see Darren Bent in person although 99% of Philadelphians do not know who he is.

I get it this is a great economic opportunity to grow the brand of the Philadelphia Union, and to expose them to a new team and show off our great facilities to a new fan base. Aston Villa will make a profit playing the Union and sell merchandise. It is just not worth it, the Union could have waited a week for this game.

On top of all that do you really think anyone will go to this game..besides the season ticket holders? The game is included in the season ticket package so season ticket holders already paid. I still expect extremely poor attendance it is a Wednesday night game, the temperature is projected to be ungodly hot with chance of thunderstorms. The Union couldn’t break 10,000 for the USOC semifinal.

On the flip side, this game is kind of intriguing. The roster is not star studded and is by no means a top squad in England but they have some talent. USMNT players Eric Licaj and Brad Guzan will most likely get playing time. Other big name players for Villa are; Agbonlahor, Bent, Steven Ireland and N’Zogbia. From a Union perspective you should see a lot of Jorge Perlaza along with a slew of youth players. From a youth standpoint it is a great opportunity for the youth players. They will be going against experienced European veterans.

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Ill Timed Friendly?

Jovan Alford

Jovan Alford

Jovan Alford