Sporting KC finally hit their first win of the season last week by halting NYCFC after an early goal. A game that very much resembled the battle of Helms Deep. New York had constant possession and were always on the attack. The Union are still searching for their first win and with a bare bones team, it may be a challenge to find it tonight.
Both teams have struggled finding the back of the net this season but the Philadelphia Union have found it much harder. Having already been shut out three times and with CJ Sapong still doubtful, it has been impossible to utilise a two striker formation. It’s meant that newcomer Fernando Aristeguieta has been leading the charge on his own with support coming from the wings. The Midfield has a minefield of issues with young Zach Pfeffer still suspended, Maidana injured and Edu struggling.
Edu has been playing as a defensive midfielder from the Union and will likely partner with Michael Lahoud in the middle of the pitch as the Union scratch their heads with such a large gap in squad depth. Maurice will likely have to fight Espinoza for possession. If he lets the pacey SKC player through, the already struggling M’Bohli is going to have his work cut out for him. Edu is essentially going to have to act as a fifth defender to help the Union alleviate the pressure.
The Union haven’t been able to score much but when they do, it often comes off of some quality play on the wings. If Le Toux can muster up some runs after being tied down in previous fixtures then the pace of a counter attack may be too muh for Marcel De Jong who isn’t exactly adjusting quickly to life at SKC.
They will take confidence from the fact that they have a dominant presence over Sporting Kansas. The two sides met three teams last year with Philadelphia going unbeaten against their opponents, winning twice and drawing one.
Prediction-
Sporting KC looked much better in last week’s win against New York City and will want to carry that momentum to their home fans. The Union don’t look like a team who have all the pieces of the puzzle slotted in just yet and are likely to be more error prone due to lack of depth and chemistry than their opponents. However, their counter attacking game has been fantastic so expect at least one goal.
Sporting KC 1-1 Philadelphia Union
