2018 Suncoast Invitational game 3: Philadelphia Union vs Tampa Bay Rowdies

The 2018 Suncoast Invitational game 3 is the final preseason game for the Philadelphia Union. Coming off a huge 5-0 win, the Union play USL side Tampa Bay Rowdies in their preseason finale. Will the Union end the preseason on a high note? We take a look the teams current form, and the Tampa Bay Rowdies in our preview of the preseason finale.

Takeaways from the win over Montreal:

You’d expect a team playing mainly reserves/trialists would fall to a team playing the majority of their starting 11. However, the Union’s starters were able to totally dismantle a team of Montreal Subs and trialists. Montreal couldn’t complete simple passes in a their build up, thanks to the Union’s press, and spacing on the field. This game showed that the Union’s style of play is high pressing/counter attacking off the ball; while on the ball they try to have Medunjanin split the center backs and have the full back’s push high and wide,

This style of play is the main takeaway from this match,and it’s important to understand that it can produce both good and great results.

The good:

When used correctly, the press turns teams over in their own half. The Union did this to Montreal, and benefited from it by getting some of their five goals out of it. This play utilizes the front four’s ability to defend, and pushes up the defenders for support. When this goes well, the Union can utilize the speed off Picault and Accam to create dangerous chances in the attacking third.

The Union’s use of spacing while on the ball can create some great offense as well. When the Union play out of the back, they will Drop Haris Medunjanin in between the two center backs. This allows the full backs to push forward and the wingers to move centrally. Basically, Haris has all sorts of options. He can move the ball wide to the center backs, down the wing for the full backs, or in the center of the field to whoever is open. The Union have mainly utilized this by attacking on the wings. It creates space in the middle for their front four attackers to get to create chances.

The union used both of these methods against Montreal and found overwhelming success; however, it could have backfired quickly.

The Bad:

Had Montreal had their first team out there, or if the Union were playing a team like Toronto, they could have easily been exploited. The better teams in MLS can find ways to beat a press. Once they’ve beaten it, there is tons of space to hit the Union. Quick passing around a press can create a break in on goal for the opposition. The Union’s spacing while they have the ball can also be used against them.

The Union could have a real problem with their spacing. This type of possession gives little coverage should the Union make mistakes in possession. Moving the full backs up and the center backs wide creates more giant gaps that a team that is good a dispossessing can take advantage of. Philadelphia’s younger roster is prone to making mistakes. These mistakes could burn them, if the full backs can’t track back on a give away, or if the center backs can’t stop the ball with little help around them.

The takeaway:

This Union team should be fun to watch, they are committed to moving men forward, and pressing on defense. However, if either of these methods be exploited, then the Union could be gashed easily. The execution of this style of play will dictate what type of team this will be, and frankly, if they’ll be any good or not.

Players to watch closer:

Anthony Fontana has impressed this preseason, and has all but won the starting 10 spot. He has stepped up his work rate on and off the ball, and has gelled well with the players around him. He should be the starter on March third, baring the Union signing Borek Dockal and loving him so much that he starts after being on this team for less than a week.

Ray Gaddis and Keegan Rosenberry are duking it out once again for the starting right back position. In what looks to be the only starting spot still up for grabs, both of these players will be looking to show well in the final preseason game to show why they should win the spot.

Fafa Picault, Fabian Herebers and Marcus Epps have all shown well in the preseason, and are all vying for the right-wing spot. While it looks like Picault is the favorite, it wouldn’t be surprising if Herbers or Epps find a way into the starting spot March third.

Picault is adjusting to life on the right, as he played left-wing all last year. His unteachable speed and work rate give him the edge. Herbers has looked sharp coming off a year where he was injured for more than half of it. His ability on the ball and ability to create could help him find the start. Epps has shown much improvement. He’s now become more than just a speedy winger, he has shown a knack for creating plays and helping out more on defense. Watch for these three to really push the envelope in the last preseason game.

A closer look at Tampa Bay Rowdies:

The Rowdies have played two preseason games, losing both of them. A 1-0 loss to Cincinnati FC, and a 2-1 loss to Montreal Impact. Their early preseason activity has been about building their team, and getting important players back. Ex-Union player Leo Fernandes played in his first action since last June in their first preseason match. Even though this side is still in the early stages of preseason, they are looking for an opportunity to compete and beat higher-up opposition.

2018 Suncoast Invitational game 3:

In the last preseason game for the Union, look for the team to roll out what they think will be their starting 11 for their MLS season opener. Look for a starting 11 like this:

Blake; Fabinho, Trusty, Elliot, Rosenberry; Medunjanin, Bedoya; Accam; Fontana, Picault; Sapong.

This 11 should probably get the full first half to fine tune how they work together, and then the second half we’ll see a lot of the other players make appearances to help them solidify their place with the team. Look for Epps and Herbers to come on and impress. Gaddis will be given a chance to show if he can be better than Rosenberry. Ex-Bethlehem Steel FC standouts Burke and Real will be given a chance to show why they should be able to make the 18 as well.

Catch the game this Saturday, February 24th, at 7:30. The stream should be HERE on the Rowdies YouTube page, but check twitter for updates on that!