With only 13 matches left in the season the Union will be in a position of promise compared to last season. Being two games over .500, and fighting for a playoff spot should be enough of a spark to light a fire under their butts. With little time left in the MLS campaign, the Union will have to make the most of their games remaining. Here’s our in-depth look at the Union’s 2018 opponents: Part 4.
Matchday 22:
@ Portland Timbers.
Saturday, April 8th; 7:00 pm.
2017 record: 12 wins 14 losses 8 ties.
2017 Western Conference Standing: 7th.
The Union take a trip west to visit Portland. Portland rose up in 2017. They took the top spot in the west. Even though they were the best in the west last season, the Timbers have lost some important pieces this off-season.
Off-season moves:
| PLAYERS IN: | PLAYERS OUT: |
| D – Julio Cascante (1/2/18 – transfer from Saprissa)
M – Andy Polo (1/17/18 – loan from Morelia) F – Foster Langsdorf (1/19/18 – Homegrown) M – Eryk Williamson (1/23/18 – Homegrown) M – Andres Flores (1/24/18 – free) D – Modou Jadama (1/24/18 – free) M – Cristhian Paredes (2/2/18 – transfer from Club America) F – Samuel Armenteros (2/9/18 – loan from Benevento Calcio) |
M – Amobi Okugo (11/27/17 – option declined)
F – Darren Mattocks (11/27/17 – option declined; traded to DC 12/10/2017) M – Ben Zemanski (11/27/17 – out of contract) M – Darlington Nagbe (12/13/17 – traded to Atlanta) D – Gbenga Arokoyo (12/13/17 – traded to Atlanta) D – Rennico Clarke (2/12/18 – waived) |
While the core of the Timbers is still primarily in tact. They did lose a part of their identity. Coach Caleb Porter left the club this offseason, and so did fan-favorite player Darlington Nagbe. The club did bring in promising young player Eryk Williamson, along with some other pieces. However this club seems to be in a transition. This is Diego Valeri’s team now, and new coach Giovanni Savarese, will look to hit the ground running to keep this side towards the top.
Prediction:
The Union always seem to have trouble going west in the later stages of the season. Portland are a force, especially at home. With all of the improvements made on the Union’s end, they could compete better in Portland. However, it’s not easy to take all three points at Providence Park.
Result: Timbers 2 Union 1
Matchday 23:
@ New England Revolution.
Saturday, August 11th. 7:30 pm.
2017 record: 13 wins 15 losses 6 ties.
2017 Eastern Conference Standing: 7th.
The Union play their last games against the Revs over a three-week period. Already having three points from the first match, Philadelphia will have the upper hand. Will New England be able to get those points back in the second meeting?
Updated off-season moves:
| PLAYERS IN: | PLAYERS OUT: |
| D – Jalil Anibaba (2/9/18 – free)
D – Nicolas Samayoa (2/9/18 – SuperDraft) D/M – Brandon Bye(2/10/18 – SuperDraft) M – Mark Segbers(2/10/18 – SuperDraft) |
N.A. |
New England continue to add new players even lat into the preseason. They continue to add to their defensive depth, and used the draft to address their center midfield area. It’s unlikely that any of these players will feature for New England, but they are fighting for a place right now.
Prediction:
The Union will make the trip up to Foxboro for the first time in three weeks. This match will have crucial points for the taking. Both sides will need the points if they want to make a run to the playoffs.
Result: Revolution 1 Union 1
Matchday 24:
NYCFC.
Friday, August 18th; 7:00 pm.
2017 record: 16 wins 9 losses 9 ties.
2017 Eastern Conference Standing: 2nd.
NYCFC went from a fringe team to a contender in 2017. In 2018 they’re looking to become the best team in the east. They have positioned themselves to do this, while flying fairly under the radar. The Union’s first match against them in 2018 comes at home will they be able to take all three points from NYC?
Off-season moves:
| PLAYERS IN: | PLAYERS OUT: |
| D – Anton Tinnerholm (12/13/17 – free)
D – Saad Abdul-Salaam (12/14/17 – trade from Sporting KC) GK – Brad Stuver (12/14/17 – trade from Columbus) M – Jesus Medina (12/31/17 – transfer from Libertad) D – Cedric Hountondji (1/11/18 – free) F – Ismael Tajouri (1/12/18 – transfer from Austria Wien) F – Jo Inge Berget (1/19/18 – free) |
M – Andrea Pirlo (11/6/17 – retired)
D – RJ Allen (11/27/17 – option declined) D – Frederic Brillant (11/27/17 – option declined) M – Miguel Camargo (11/27/17 – option declined) D – Shannon Gomez (11/27/17 – option declined) GK – Eirik Johansen (11/27/17 – option declined) M – Mikey Lopez (11/27/17 – option declined) D – Jefferson Mena (11/27/17 – option declined) F – Sean Okoli (11/27/17 – option declined) D – Andraz Struna (11/27/17 – option declined) M – John Stertzer (11/27/17 – option declined) D – Ethan White (11/27/17 – option declined) F – Khiry Shelton (12/14/17 – traded to Sporting KC) M – Jack Harrison (1/30/18 – transferred to Manchester City) |
New York City has had a hell of an off-season. They got rid of their dead weight, and older players. They even shipped Jack Harrison to the Premier League for a hefty sum. On the acquisition side of things they have made smart move after smart move. Each move helping solidify themselves as one of the best equipped teams in MLS. Will this be enough to push them over the hump to compete with Atlanta and Toronto?
Prediction:
NYCFC will be one of the best teams in the east in 2018. The Union will need to play one of their most organized game to stop them and beat them. They have done this in the past at home, but they also have let David Villa single-handedly beat them on a half field chip.
Prediction Union 2 NYCFC 2
Matchday 25:
@ New England Revolution.
Saturday, August 25th. 7:00 pm.
2017 record: 13 wins 15 losses 6 ties.
2017 Eastern Conference Standing: 7th.
The Union and Revolution will meet for the third and final time in 2018. With four out of six points the Union will be in a position to take seven out of nine. New England will be looking to split the points with Philadelphia. What will the result be?
Updated off-season moves:
| PLAYERS IN: | PLAYERS OUT: |
| N.A. | N.A. |
New England hasn’t added anyone else in the time between the last New England section. However they may not be done with their transfer window, and are still trying to get their best player Lee Nguyen to actually suit up for them.
Prediction:
With the opportunity to get crucial points, and getting only two points from the last three matches, the Union will be hungry for a win. They should be able to go up to a place where they’ve had success in the past and compete for a win.
Result: Revolution 1 Union 3
Macthday 26:
@ DC United.
Wednesday, August 29th. 7:30 pm.
2017 record: 9 wins 20 losses 5 ties.
2017 Eastern Conference Standing: 11th.
DC United welcome Philadelphia to their new stadium, Audi Park, for a midweek clash. It’s also their last meeting of 2018. Will DC be able to split the points in the season series with Philadelphia?
Updated Off-season moves:
| PLAYERS IN: | PLAYERS OUT: |
| D – Oniel Fisher (2/7/18 – trade from Seattle)
M – Yamil Asad (2/13/18 – trade from Atlanta) D – Chris Odoi-Atsem (2/16/18 – signed after preseason trial) |
N.A. |
DC has added a quality piece since the last time we’ve profiled their off-season. Yamil Asad will be a consistent starter for DC and add some more quality to their rebuilt team. He cause some problems for the Union in their preseason game, and could help to unlock the Union.
Prediction:
Philadelphia will be riding high off their first win in four games. Heading into a rivalry setting, in a new stadium, could motivate the Union to put together a win streak. If they want to contend for a playoff spot they will need to get points from this one.
Result: DC 1 Union 2
Matchday 27:
vs Orlando City.
Saturday September, 1st. 7:30 pm.
2017 record: 10 wins 15 losses 9 ties.
2017 Eastern Conference Standing: 10th.
The Union finish off their competitions with Orlando at home. Being on a possible two game win streak, the Union will look to split points from the much improved Orlando side. After losing the first match, this game could be crucial for the Union’s goal of making the playoffs.
Updated off-season moves:
| PLAYERS IN: | PLAYERS OUT: |
| D – Amro Tarek (2/2/18 – loan from Wadi Degla FC)
D – Lamine Sane (2/20/18 – transfer from Werder Bremen) |
N.A. |
Orlando has used the end of the transfer window to address/solidify their defense. Will it improve their play on the field? We’ll have to wait and see.
Prediction:
Philly will look to get one back on Orlando. However, that’s not such an easy task. Orlando are so good in possession, and unlocking defenses. Can the Union do enough to win against this vastly improved side?
Prediction: Union 1 Orlando 1
Where will the Union stand?
After a six crucial matches in late summer the Union could be in the think of a playoff race, or out completely. If they are able to stay organized and play with a passion, they should be able to still be in contention for the five or six seed. They will have played 27 of 34 matches. In this six game stretch they’ll post a record of 2-1-3.
After 27 matches: 11-8-8 with 41 points.
Come back for part three next week! Missed the first three parts? No worries, Click here for Part 1 | Click here for Part 2 | Click here for part 3
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Peace out Union fans!
Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
