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| (Photo: philadelphiaunion.com) |
The Philadelphia Union desperately need to bounce back Tuesday, when they take on the Rochester Rhinos in the third round of the US Open Cup. The Union are coming off of what could be the worst performance in franchise history in a 1-0 loss to the then defeated TFC.
A competitive home match against a team from a league that is seen as less should be just what the doctor ordered to help rebuild the Unions confidence. It will not be easy however; The Rhinos are second place in USL Pro and have only let in four goals on the season. With the Union offense floundering, it feels like the chips are in favor for Rochester to snag an upset.
What the Union need to do: Not to sound like a broken record but this game is a golden opportunity. A convincing win in a competitive match could do wonders. The Union need to hold possession and work the ball methodically; players need to make overlapping runs while spreading the field to create opportunities. With McMath, Keon Daniel, and Gomez all out the pressure lies on the midfield to absorb the pressure, get back on defense and hold possession.
The strikers need to show for the ball and communicate with each other. I would like to see Danny Mwanga and Pajoy spend less time out wide and more time in the box. What formation or forwards that they used should shoot more. Rochester is a strong defensive unit and the Union are going to need to be active in attack and less predictable.
Players to Watch: Freddy Adu is the man to keep an eye on for good or for bad. He has the skill set to take players on and beat defenders although he has scarcely shown this in the Union colors. Freddy knows the fan base is not happy with him after his woeful performance on Saturday. No better time to start winning the fans back then right now. Freddy needs to do more then have a good performance, he needs to dominate and show the fans why he is making half a million. If Freddy Adu could use his ability to take on defenders and create opportunities the U will most certainly find a goal or two. This has already been asked from Adu before and so far he has not answered the call when asked to step up. Nobody will be shocked if Freddy disappoints just angry.
Prediction:
Union win 1-0 in a game that could get ugly fast, I find the Union squeezing out a result.
Harrisburg City Islanders: The beauty of the cup is that it does not limit to just MLS teams but teams from all over this great nation. USL Pro side Harrisburg City Islanders, who currently stand in fourth in their division will take on MLS side New England. It’s a big deal for the local club being able to host an MLS team.
Harrisburg will have their hands full going against one of the surprise teams in the MLS. Every year the cup provides shocks surprises and some magic maybe the Islanders get bye into the next round. It is not out of the realm of probability that New England fields a team of reserves making it easier for an upset.
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