2018 Suncoast Invitational game 1: Philadelphia Union vs DC United

It’s that time of year again! MLS teams still trying to shake off rust, and gel as a team get to battle it out in the Suncoast Invitational. Four MLS teams (Philadelphia Union, New York City FC, Montreal Impact, and DC United) join USL side Tampa Bay Rowdies for three days of matches. The Union are regulars at this event. This time around, the Union play three matches; Saturday, February 17th vs DC United, Wednesday, February 21st vs Montreal Impact and Saturday February 24th vs Tampa Bay Rowdies. Game one is tomorrow, here’s a preview of what should be expected. The 2018 Suncoast Invitational game 1: Philadelphia Union vs DC United.

A window of opportunity:

As the preseason rolls on the Union have a lot of open starting 11 spots. The team will look to fill those spots with players that stand out in this last phase of the preseason. With injuries to players, like Ilsinho, Matt Real, and Richie Marquez, there is room for young players to step up and possibly find themselves a part of the first team on March 3rd.

The dreaded 10 spot:

Anthony Fontana and Adam Najem will now battle it out for the ever speculated number 10 spot. With Ilsinho being out at least two weeks, one of these youngsters will likely find themselves the starter. The only way the winner of this battle doesn’t become the starter is if the Union sign/bring a player in on loan a week before the season begins, which is very unlikely.

A possible new backup left back:

With homegrown Matt Real dealing with a lingering injury, Fabinho has again solidified his spot at the starting left back. However he hasn’t been the only player playing that spot during preseason. Bethlehem Steel center back, Oliver Mbaizo, has played the position, and has had success. Could he play himself into contention for a left back spot with Matt Real being out?

A new attacking Option:

Corey Burke has shown perseverance in the grind of preseason, bringing praise from the coaches. He scored in a scrimmage against Orlando City SC this past Wednesday. His rise, and ability to do well with the minutes he’s given could help him move up the depth chart. If he keeps up his impressive play, maybe we’ll see his name in the 18 of the opening day squad

It’s Auston Trusty’s time:

Richie Marquez has been nursing an injury, and Auston Trusty has solidified his place as the starting left-center back in the veteran’s absence. Trusty has balled out, and has received praise from head coach Jim Curtin. Curtin said that “he’s playing at the highest level.” That’s high praise for the Union homegrown. It looks likely that the Trusty will be the starter at the home opener.

2018 Suncoast Invitational game 1:

DC’s preseason so far:

DC United have a newly constructed team after they blew things up in last summer. They now have a lethal attack. Two good strikers, Patrick Mullins and Darren Mattocks; talented wingers, Paul Arriola and Yamil Asad and a sneaky number 10, Luciano Acosta. This new DC United will be able to attack in waves, their midfield and defense looks different too, with a combination of new and old players playing in the middle and newcomers making up the majority of their back line. In goal DC lost Bill Hamid and replaced him with David Ousted. This new look United have only been together for one preseason game so far.

DC United took on against top-tier Swedish side Malmö FF last week, falling to them 2-1. Their newest striker, Darren Mattocks, scored their loan goal. The rest of the newer players got time as well. They are a promising team. Obviously the majority of the team still needs to gel, but would be much of a surprise if DC made a jump in the east to a playoff contender after the moves they made?

How the Union stack up:

The Union are looking at what they could’ve been had they spent more this offseason. DC is now stacked with attacking talent; all of their attackers have something to prove as well. The Union’s makeshift defense will have a true test ahead of them. The communication between Auston Trusty and Jack Elliot will have to be season ready to stop this side. The Union’s attack will have to do what they’ve been built to do; counter attack. The real test will be the Union’s finishing ability. The chances will be there, can they improve at putting doop’s in the ol’ onion bag is the question the coaching staff will be asking of them in this one!

Being preseason, anything can happen in this type of match. We’ll likely get to see both teams players best positioned for their opening day starting 11’s in the first half, and then see players fighting for spots in the second half. Expect to see a lot of Fontana and Najem at the 10, as they battle for the 10 spot. Also, keep an eye on Corey Burke’s performance, another good showing could move him above Jay Simpson on the depth chart!

Watch the action!

Tune into the Union’s first game of the 2018 Suncoast Invitational Saturday, February 17th at 5pm. All games are Streaming live via the Tampa Bay Rowdies’ YouTube channel, which you can find by clicking HERE