MLS Match Preview: Union vs. New England Revolution
On Saturday at 7:30 PM ET kickoff at Talen Energy Stadium, the surging Philadelphia Union will play host to the New England Revolution.
The Union are on the heels of a convincing 2-0 victory over FC Cincinnati that propelled them into first place in the Eastern Conference with 17 points. The team’s goals were scored by Kacper Przybyłko in the 63′ which was his second goal in his second start of the season, and Fafa Picault in the 70′, as he received a perfectly weighted through ball from Ilsinho and promptly chipped it over the keeper. The Union controlled the possession all game long and completely dominated as they earned many scoring chances throughout the match.
On the other hand, the Revolution enter this match in last place in the Eastern Conference with an abysmal record of 2-6-2, with only eight points. The Revolution have mightily struggled early on this season as they have lost six of their last nine games with a negative nine-goal differential and are 0-2-2 on the road. New England is coming off an exciting 4-4 draw with Sporting Kansas City as Juan Fernando Caicedo scored two goals, while Juan Agudelo and DeJuan Jones added goals themselves.
The Union have dominated the Revs in their history with an all-time record of 14-5-6 and a win in their last three contests. In the 2018 season, Philadelphia defeated New England 2-0 on March 3rd, 3-2 on August 11th, and 1-0 on August 25th for a clean sweep. Philly will look to extend their winning streak against Nee England come this Saturday.
The Boys in Blue will be without Andre Blake for another game as he is still recovering from a right groin injury. Sergio Santos was back in the team sheet on Wednesday night as a sub but do not make an appearance in the team’s win while Mark McKenzie remained sidelined after having his appendix removed a couple weeks ago. Cory Burke was out on Wednesday for personal reasons so his status for Saturday’s game is up in the air.
Unfortunately, goalie Matt Freese had to exit Wednesday’s match once he injured his hip after making an incredible diving save to keep the game scoreless. Marco Fabián was out of Wednesday’s match as his ankle is still healing after spraining it in Los Angeles. He is questionable for Saturday’s home game. Defender Kai Wagner will most likely return to the Union lineup after miss Wednesday’s match, following an extra game suspension for his red card offense against Montreal.
Here’s hoping that the Union can keep up their fantastic form of play and fight their way to another victory. The Union have notched at least a point in seven of their last eight games and are currently on a three game unbeaten streak.
The Union have an overall record of 5-3-2 and are 4-1-0 at home so they plan to earn another victory against an Eastern Conference opponent this Saturday.
Featured Image: mlssoccer.com
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