The important games are coming in a flurry for the Union as they take on the New England Revolution later today in an Eastern Conference showdown. With the game being shown on ESPN2 live from PPL Park, the Union will look to impress fans watching at home following their successful home-and-home series against New York Citfy FC. It won’t be easy though, The Revolution are now four games without loss after starting the season with back-to-back losses.
With the injury crisis fading away, Curtin has employed some winning game mechanics despite missing some big names. It will be interesting to see how the starting XI rotates as more names come back into the mix. CJ Sapong’s recent goal was a sign of his talent and also one that he needs some more minutes. This being the third game in just 8 days could mean we see the signing make his second start in a Union shirt. But as one name comes in, another seems to leave! Vincent Nougeira left the game on Thursday with an ankle injury and according to Matthew De George, is touch and go on whether he will start.
One key player in this game is going to be Michael Lahoud. He has simply exploded and despite the Union being more than overrun in the second half against New York, Lahoud pretty much controlled the defensive diamond on his own. Not only is that key for the team to have such a stronghold but it also allowed Cristian Maidana and Zach Pfeffer to push forward, creating opportunities. The formula worked well and there’s a real sense of chemistry between the midfielders.
Maidana and Pfeffer’s partnership worked brilliantly on Thursday. The Union were able to create an intimidating pace and Pfeffer’s elusiveness allowed Maidana to stay high and create chances. If these two can provide the same intensity over an 80 minute stretch then New England may struggle defensively.
In terms of New and England, they have one vital flaw. The way the play is often overlooked and kept under the disguise of keeping possession. What they actually do however is the opposite. They throw players forward to create a curtain around the opposing box. The ball play is fast, fluid and creative but often susceptible to error. but vitally important role because this Revs system only works when it is done at a very high speed. There is no sitting around on the ball and forming an umbrella around the box. Players are jacks of all trades as they look to pull the centrebacks forward to break with a through ball over the centre. It will be beyond important for the Defensive Midfielders and back four to retain their shape at all costs. If they can do that and then send a ball forward to the wings, or even better Pfeffer then it will create a real chance for Fernando or Sapong to capitalise.
Prediction-
I think the Union, despite flowing confidence are coming up against a very different opponent today. Unbeaten in four, the Revolution may well rest a few players knowing that the Union won’t be at full strength and very fatigued. This could well benefit the Union if they can hold possession and slow down the pace of play to stop the Revs counter attacking. If the midfield can hang tight then the Union have a chance of snatching one point if not all three. Expect both teams to score, just like the last two we predicted.
Score-
Philadelphia Union 2-2 New England Revolution
