The Union Officially Control Their Own Destiny
What seemed like a dream a month ago, the Philadelphia Union now controls its own destiny. Win their last 3 games and the Supporters Shield is theirs.
Last month, LAFC was 6 points clear of the Union with a game in hand. Gareth Bale just arrived. The Shield might as well have already been on its way to Los Angeles.
Fast forward to now, the game in hand is gone, as is LA’s grasp on the trophy. With 3 games left in the MLS season, the Union stands alone atop MLS. LA sits 2 points behind them.
What happened to LA? More importantly, what does the Union need to do to put the race to bed?
How the Race Flipped
The Union and LA are going in two totally different directions. LA has 4 points in their last 6 games. That equals 14 dropped points. That includes 2 losses to wooden spoon chasing San Jose and Houston. Yes, the same Houston side the Union beat 6-0.
For the Union, life is spectacular for now. The team has won 5 straight. In that span, they have outscored their opponents 23-2.
In that span, they have opened up a 7-point lead over 2nd place in the Eastern Conference. The club needs just 3 points to clinch the Eastern Conference. They need just 1 point to book a return to the CONCACAF Champions League.
Once the cracks in LA’s lead started to show, the Union did not let up. Jim Curtin made it clear that they would chase for their second supporter’s shield in 3 years.
What Does the Final Stretch Look Like?
First, life does not get too much easier for LA. They get Houston at home, that is the only game they should guarantee 3 points. Next, they have to go to Portland. Portland is in the midst of their late-season surge they are known for. Finally, on decision day, they welcome MLS MVP favorite Hany Mukhtar and Nashville SC.
The way LA has been playing, it would be shocking if they take all 9 points.
For the Union, the road is easier, but that doesn’t mean anything. The Union plays no playoff teams in the last 3 games. However, they are on the road for these next two games. At Atlanta and at Charlotte. These are the two stereotypical trap games. Both games are tough and they are going to try and rain on the Union’s parade.
The Union ends the season at home with Toronto. Toronto has been not very good defensively. They will have nothing to play for. The Union may hang 10 goals on them.
LA still holds the first tiebreaker, wins, with 19. If LA slips up just one more time while the Union wins, the tiebreaker will flip to goal differential, which favors the Union.
The main thing is it doesn’t matter what LA does anymore. It is all in the hands of the Union. Win out and they are hoisting a trophy on decision day at Subaru Park.
There is also a sneaky year-end 2-week international break in MLS after the Atlanta game. The break could wake LAFC up and cool the Union down. Nothing can be taken for granted until the team’s name is etched onto the trophy.
A Trophy is Nice but There is More on the Line
Adding a second trophy in 3 years would be amazing. However, the other reward that comes with being the top team in MLS may be better.
If the Union does win the Supporters Shield, then the MLS Cup Playoffs come through Subaru Park. As long as the Union is playing, whether it be the Eastern Conference Final or the MLS Championship itself, they get to do it in front of their home fans.
It should be noted that the Union is the only unbeaten team at home in MLS. They have a 21 regular season match unbeaten streak at home. One last terrifying for the league stat, the Union have won every game at Subaru Park since July. Outscoring their opponents 32-3.
The home-field reward is better than the trophy if it propels the Union to an MLS Cup win.
Featured Image: Wes Shepherd/PHLSportsNation
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Categorized:Union