The Philadelphia have 2 games left of the regular season and are right in the thick of the playoff race currently siting in 6th place and the first 5 places are in the playoffs. Their are currently 6 teams all fighting for the last three playoff spots. The Union are sitting in 6th place but are currently tied for 4th and 5th place with 46 points. It is going to be a rough tense last 2 games where the Union will be facing two very tough teams.
On Saturday the Union are going up against Montreal who are currently sitting in 4th place. The Union and the Impact are tied in points so that makes this game crucial for both clubs. Montreal is slipping they were once top of the league and looking to coast into the playoffs but after a poor run in form they are currently struggling to keep their playoff spot. The Impact are currently win-less in the last 6 games. The Impact have not scored a goal in four games which is staggering for such a high powered offense.
The Union are looking to capitalize on the Impacts poor run of form but that does not mean that the Impact are harmless. They have a wealth of experience and skill that could start back up at any time. It will be a defensive battle for the Union they will really need to be on their best. last game against DC the Philly was shorthanded missing Williams, and Fabinho to suspension. The Union will be full strength for this game so no excuses for the defense they need to shutdown the Impact offense. Most importantly they need to avoid free kicks and set pieces at all cost. The Union have a weak spot on defending set plays.
Jack Macinerney and Canor Casey have both scored in recent games but the Union offense is not producing the way it should. Both forwards have not been capitalizing on their chances but they really need to show up against Montreal. Casey and MacInerney need to make the correct runs, test the goalie and open the game up. Even if they do not score they need to be a factor. They need to dumb it down and work together, make simple passes, overlapping runs and take shots as often as possible. The forwards need to play simple and allow the midfield to take over and hopefully get a goal.
Kleberson has been having a solid 2 games and if Hackworth starts him look for Kleberson to take over the midfield and get forward into the attack. The Brazilian has a goal and an assist in the last two games. With him and Farfan playing together the Union look much more fluid in attack. The Midfield has to work together as one solid unit and string together passes and control the tempo. Kleberson will provide quality service into the box to the forwards but he cant do it alone. Farfan, and Le Toux need to work together and carry bulk of the offense load.
If the Union can walk away with a win or draw they will put themselves in prime position to qualify next week for the playoffs. If the Union can pick up three points that would be massive. They can not clinch this weekend but they can put themselves in position to clinch next weekend and they can also put themselves in a spot for second place. If the Union win out and a few results go their way then the Union can land second place in the east and home field advantage for the first two rounds of the playoffs..
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