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After conceding 2 goals in the final 15 minutes against Toronto FC on Saturday night, the Union now find themselves somewhere they haven’t been in quite a while – bottom of the Eastern Conference standings. Just 1 win in their previous 17 games, and zero wins at home since a 2-0 win against Minnesota on March 30th is one of the worst runs of form this team has ever been on. But with players returning from international duty, and 2 consecutive games at home this week, Jim Curtin is hopeful that Wednesday is the night Philly can start righting the ship and making a push toward playoffs.
“We have to do it though. The talking part is kind of over, we have to execute on the field and I believe we’ll get a good response tomorrow” -Jim Curtin
Image Credit: Philadelphia Union
Union Season So Far
It’s incredible how bad this team has been after starting the season as Major League Soccer‘s last unbeaten team. After their 2-1 loss on the road to Toronto FC, Union’s record moves to 4W-9D-10L for a total of 21 points, leaving Philadelphia as the last place team in the Eastern Conference, and 5 points off from the final playoff spot, which Jim Curtin thinks is still a possibility for this team to achieve.
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Mandatory Credit: Philadelphia Union
New England’s Season So Far
After starting the season with a record 2W-1D-8L through the first 10 games, many were speculating that Caleb Porter’s time in New England would be over before the campaign’s mid-way mark. Now, after 5 wins in their previous 8 games, the Revs are in 13th place in the East and 1 point above Union with another all record of 7W-1D-13L.
Mandatory Credit: Philadelphia Union
New England Vs Union History
In the 43 times that Union and The Revs have met across all competitions, DOOP holds the upper hand in the series with a record of 24W-8D-11L, outscoring New England by a total of 74-48 in those games. In the previous 10 meetings between these teams, Philly has a record of 5W-2D-3L but has only lost once in the last 7. While playing at Subaru Park, Union has won 11 of the last 14 games against the Revs. Daniel Gazdag is the active player with the most goals in this matchup with 8.
For the first time since leaving the match early with an injury against Seattle on April 30th, Union goalkeeper Andre Blake will be back between the posts.
“Andre is back, you can feel a little bit of a buzz, a little more energy at training. A familiar voice behind them thatgives confidence” -Jim Curtin on Andre Blake
In addition to Andre Blake’s return from injury, both Jose Martinez – who just got back from an outstanding COPA America with Venezuela – and Jesus Bueno – who has been dealing with a knock – will both be available for selection against New England. In addition to Isaiah LeFlore, who is set to miss the remainder of the season, Union will be without Jack McGlynn and Nate Harriel, who are both off representing the US at the Olympic Games this summer.
Jim Curtin also mentioned that 14-year-old Cavan Sullivan will be part of the first team on Wednesday night after scoring in back-to-back games for Union II. If Cavan Sullivan does end up making his debut, he’ll become the youngest athlete the play professionally across any major sport.
“Cavan’s earned the right to be in the 20[man roster], and he’ll get that opportunity now. The next step is working hard to get the first minutes.” -Jim Curtin on Cavan Sullivan.
Mandatory Credit: Philadelphia Union
Lineup Predictions
After going 2 straight gamed with a back-5, I think we may see Curtin revert back to the 4-4-2 Diamond on Wednesday night – especially if Jose Martinez gets the nod in the midfield. Here’s my best guess as to how Curtin’s XI will love.
GK: Andre Blake RB: Olivier Mbaizo, CB: Jack Eliott, CB: Jakob Glesnes, LB: Kai Wagner CDM: Jose Martinez RCM: Quinn Sullivan, LCM: Leon Flach CAM: Daniel Gazdag ST: Mikael Uhre, ST: Tai Baribo
The backline seems pretty locked in to me unless Curtin goes back to a back-5 formation in front of Andre Blake, and I think Jose Martinez will get the start after 2 days of training with the squad.
Image Credit: Philadelphia Union
Score Predictions
Only a fool would sit here and tell you that after winning just one in their previous 17 games the Union is going to come out and smack New England on Wednesday night, but I do have a good feeling about this game. The return of Andre Blake will not only add a fair bit of energy to this squad – something that’s disappeared in a moment’s notice far too many times during his absence – but should add some security to the backline. I’m going with a 2-1 with for the Union at home on Wednesday night – as long as the weather doesn’t get in the way of getting this one played, as Thunderstorms are in the forecast.
Image Credit: Philadelphia Union
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