An in depth look at the Philadelphia Union’s 2019 MLS opponents, Part 7

March is right around the corner, you know what that means? It means it’s time for an in-depth look at the Philadelphia Union’s 2019 MLS schedule opponents. Here’s part seven of Philly Sports Network seven part series!

September/October 2019:

In part seven of our in-depth look at the Union’s 2019 MLS campaign we take a look at the end of the season. The Union play five matches in September/October. Two matches are against western conference teams, while the end of the season sees three crucial games against eastern conference opponents.

Matchday 30:

vs LAFC.
Saturday, September 14th. 7:30 pm.
2018 record: 16 wins 9 losses 9 ties.
2018 Western Conference Standing: 3rd.

LAFC had a great inaugural season. They finished 3rd in the western conference and had spurts of looking like the best team in the league. In their second season, they will try and show the league that last year was not a fluke.

Off-season moves:

PLAYERS IN:

PLAYERS OUT:

D – Eddie Segura (11/21/18 – loan from Atletico Huila)
D – Mohamed El-Munir (12/11/18 – trade from Orlando)
F – Rodolfo Zelaya (1/30/19 – transfer from Alianza)
GK – Pablo Sisniega (2/18/19 – transfer from Real Sociedad)
GK – Phillip Ejimadu (2/21/19 – free)
D – Lamar Batista (2/21/19 – free)
F – Adrien Perez (2/21/19 – free)

GK – Charlie Lyon (11/27/18 – option declined)
GK – Quillan Roberts (11/27/18 – option declined)
M – Nico Czornomaz (11/27/18 – option declined)
M – Calum Mallace (11/27/18 – option declined)
M – James Murphy (11/27/18 – option declined)
F – Steeve Saint-Duc (11/27/18 – option declined)
F – Marco Ureña (11/27/18 – option declined)
M – Benny Feilhaber (11/27/18 – out of contract)
GK – Luis Lopez (11/27/18 – loan expired)
M – Aaron Kovar (11/27/18 – loan expired)
D – Joao Moutinho (12/11/18 – traded to Orlando)

LAFC let go of players whose contracts/loans were expiring, and declined some options of other players. They let go of Benny Feilhaber, Marco Ureña as a result of these moves. LAFC also traded 2018 first round draft pick Joao Moutinho to Orlando City SC. LA made these moves, but did not make big splashes in the transfer market like they did the year before.

Los Angeles brought in some players on free transfers which helps fill out their depth at positions. They also spent money on loans and transfers on players that may contribute more. Defender Eddie Segura comes in to help their back line, goal keeper Phillip Ejimadu comes in to push for the starting spot, and forward Rodolfo Zelaya comes into the squad to push their cast of strong attackers for minutes. LAFC look to be ready to show they will continue to be the real deal in MLS.

The Union play LAFC at home this year, they’ll be hoping for a better result after their loss out in LA last season.

Matchday 31:

@ New York Red Bulls.
Sunday, September 22nd. 6:00 pm.
2018 record: 22 wins 7 losses 5 ties.
2018 Eastern Conference Standing: 1st.

New York Red Bulls have been one of the best clubs in MLS over the few years, but have yet to capture that elusive MLS Cup. If their preseason play is an indicator of their readiness to push for the cup, then the league should be on notice.

Preseason Form: 4 wins 0 losses 2 ties

New York Red Bulls have had a perfect preseason ahead of their 2019 season. They have tied twice and won three other times against opposition. They have looked their normal dangerous way; high pressing and capitalizing on the mistakes of their opposition.

This past week New York played in the Concacaf Champions League, and won their first match in the 2019 campaign. They beat Dominican Republic side Athletico Pantojea on the road. The 2-0 scoreline does all but secure their passage into the next round of the competition but the second leg is this coming week.

The Union play their final regular season game against Red Bulls in New Jersey at a crucial time of the year.

Matchday 32:

@ San Jose Earthquakes.
Wednesday, September 25th. 11:00 pm.
2018 record: 4 wins 21 losses 9 ties.
2018 Western Conference Standing: 12th.

San Jose have been in a rut for a while now. 2018 they were the worst team in MLS, finishing dead last in the west. They only won four games, but things are looking up for the Californian side.

Off-season moves:

PLAYERS IN:	PLAYERS OUT:
M – Judson (12/20/18 – loan from Tombense) F – Cristian Espinoza (1/2/19 – loan from Villarreal) D – Marcos Lopez (1/6/19 – transfer from Sporting Cristal) M – Siad Haji (1/11/19 – SuperDraft) GK – Daniel Vega (1/18/19 – free) F – Cade Cowell (1/23/19 – Homegrown)	D – Yeferson Quintana (11/29/18 – option declined) M – Jahmir Hyka (11/29/18 – option declined) M – Chris Wehan (11/29/18 – option declined) F – Danny Musovski (11/29/18 – option declined) F – Mohamed Thiaw (11/29/18 – option declined) F – Dominic Oduro (11/29/18 – out of contract)

San Jose appointed former Argentina National team player and Chivas Guadalajara coach Matías Almeyda as their head coach back in December. With the higher caliber coach came higher caliber incoming players.

San Jose saw Villarreal forward Crisian Espinoza join the club on loan after Almeyda’s appointment. Other players are also coming into the club to help the team rebuild themselves into a contender. San Jose got rid of players who who had options on their contracts from the season before turning the page to a new chapter that is hopefully better than the last one.

The Union travel to San Jose to play the Earthquakes midweek in September with a chance at picking up some crucial points.

Matchday 33:

@ Columbus Crew SC.
Sunday, September 29th. 5:00 pm.
2018 record: 14 wins 11 losses 9 ties.
2018 Eastern Conference Standing: 5th.

Columbus Crew are a new team now after being saved. Since we looked at their moves, let’s look at how they are doing on the pitch.

Preseason Form: 2 wins 0 losses 3 ties

Columbus is having an undefeated preseason. The new atmosphere around the club is producing some good results. The Crew have been able to fight teams to draws three times this preseason, preventing loss every time. As for their wins, they have beat some good sides.

Columbus beat Mexican side Club Tijuana 1-0 in a friendly and dismantled LAFC 4-2. These wins show Columbus is ready for the start of the 2019 MLS season.

The Union will have to face Columbus in Columbus at the end of the like they did last season, Philly will be looking for a win this time around.

Matchday 34:

vs New York City FC.
Sunday, October 6th. 4:00 pm.
2018 record: 16 wins 10 losses 8 ties.
2018 Eastern Conference Standing: 3rd.

NYCFC are building a team to maintain their place near the top of the east. Since we looked at their moves this off-season, we need to look at how they are doing on the field.

Preseason Form: 2 wins 2 losses 1 tie

NYCFC have struggled a bit this preseason in matches.NYCFC won against Orlando City 2-1 and against USL side Nashville SC. These aren’t exactly the toughest competition. Their ties and losses are even less inspiring.

New York tied Swedish side AIK, and lost to Danish side FC Copenhagen. They followed those results up with a loss to Minnesota United. New York is trying to cope with life after David Villa, while getting ready for the start of the MLS season. It does not look like it’s going so well for them.

The Union end their season on decision day at home against the team that knocked them out of the 2018 playoffs; sounds like a good opportunity to end the season strong and make a transition to the playoffs to me.

Predictions coming next week, including a way for you to predict as well!

Our Philly Sports Network Union crew will have predictions on how the Union’s MLS season will go this coming week leading up to the start of the 2019 MLS season! You will also have a chance to make predictions too. Stay tuned for more information on that!