The Philadelphia Union travels to Guadalajara, Mexico to take on Atlas tonight. The Union is bringing a 1-0 advantage into this second leg of the CONCACAF Champions League Quarterfinals.
Last Tuesday, the Union saw a 1-0 win over Atlas at Subaru Park in Chester, Pennsylvania. The one goal came from a Daniel Gazdag penalty in the 88th minute. Long story short, the Union should be up by far more goals going into tonight.
The Union went up a man just before halftime with an Atlas defender seeing a straight red card. However, give credit to Atlas for running a time-wasting clinic in the second half. Players faking injuries and not putting the ball in play, it was just an ugly game.
Prepare for More Ugly
In the second leg tonight, do not expect it to be any prettier. There is going to be time-wasting, rough play, and I am sure horrible officiating. In other words, another night in CONCACAF.
This is the Union’s second trip to a big Mexican club. The last one coming in the 2021 CONCACAF Champions League as they headed down to historic Estadio Azteca to face Club America. This trip to Guadalajara and Atlas’ Estadio Jalisco should not be as intimidating.
However, the Union still has their work cut out for them. It is still an away game deep into enemy territory. Atlas fans made it very clear VIA Twitter how much they love and support their team. So much so that Daniel Gazdag received many death threats after last Tuesday’s game.
As for the rest of the roster, Kai Wagner is expected to be able to make his return after missing the first leg with a hamstring tweak. Jim Curtin is all in on this game as we all saw on Saturday when Jim started a very makeshift lineup. The regular starters will be fresh and ready to go. CCL standout Damion Lowe is questionable with an injury. However, Jack Elliot should have no issue filling in his role.
It will be a hostile environment but the Union should be more than capable of getting a result here. Any result of a draw or win sends the Union to the semifinals. Where new continental and MLS giants LAFC await.
Featured Image: Wes Shephered/PHLSportsNation
