2020 has been one hell of a year. Amidst a pandemic, civil unrest, and a crazed presidential election, Major League Soccer (MLS) and the Philadelphia Union have rolled on!
Not only have the Union been playing through this pandemic, but they have been the best team throughout this crazy condensed season. With a record of 15-5-4, Philly sits on 44 points and average two points per game which is the best record in MLS. Today, they have a chance to win their first-ever trophy; all eyes need to be on the Union this evening in Philadelphia!
The Union takes on New England Revolution for the fifth time this season this evening with a chance to win the Supporters Shield, the trophy awarded to the team with the best record throughout the MLS regular season. The Union is 3-1-0 this season against the Revs, outscoring them five-goals-to-two across all four matches. The familiarity and domination by Philadelphia put them in a position to do what traditional Philly sports fans want their teams to do, win some silverware! All Philly has to do is win to secure their first-ever trophy!
This a game and a team that demands the attention of Philadelphia. All eyes should be on this game this evening. The Eagles are on a bye week, and all the other teams are currently not in season. There’s no presidential election news to obsess over as that race has been called. So what excuse doe Philly Sports fans give for not watching a team that represents them play for a trophy this evening? The answer is, there is no excuse!
If you’re still on the fence about tuning in, let’s look at this team’s record at home and the players on the team. The Union is the only perfect team remaining in MLS at home, winning eight games in eight tries. This group of players goes for a perfect nine-for-nine today. The Union is made up of young teenagers for the tri-state area, players with very high potential while having chips on their shoulders, and league veterans. The coaching staff is comprised of those who know the league and led by Jim Curtin, and MLS coach of the year candidate and Philly native.
This team is so likable, and they have the talent that frankly other Union teams of the past did not have. The team’s starters and depth off the bench have taken this league by storm. While the Union did fall short of winning in their last match, they still control their own destiny to win the Supporters Shield on MLS’ Decision Day!
As our Philly Sports Network Union Team discussed in the latest Doop by the River Podcast, this team is in do or die mode. In every other game that the Union has had a chance to win a trophy in, they have fallen short. Three US Open Cup final losses (2014, 2014, 2018), and only one playoff win in franchise history (the historic 4-3 win over New York in 2019), puts a lot of pressure on this team today. However, this team is different and is up to the task, especially coming off a loss.
The Union has only lost four times in 2020, and in the match after a loss, they are 3-1-0 and have scored three goals in every match. Now coming off a loss and playing in a game with a trophy on the line, the Union looked poised to keep this streak alive and be winners for the first time ever. This is why they deserve your attention this evening.
This game kicks off at 3:30 on ABC! Don’t miss out on the opportunity to see a team that represents the city of Philadelphia win their first trophy. This team is really good, and could make history; tune in and maybe you’ll see and understand the hype behind this team and sport! Come on the U!
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Tim Lovenguth | Jeff Green | El Parcero Philly
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Peace out Union fans!
Photo by Andrew Bershaw/Icon Sportswire
