Photo: Marjorie Elzey
Union
Tomorrow night is a big game as the Union take on Toronto FC in a battle for the top of the table. Kickoff is at 7:30 p.m. in Subaru Park. Check out our match preview later today, and read the injury report here.
Brenden Aaronson and Mark McKenzie both earned top spots in the league’s 22 Under 22 list, with McKenzie taking third and Aaronson taking first.
Matt Doyle explains why Anthony Fontana missed out on 22 Under 22 list.
The kid is no longer a teenager! Happy belated 20th birthday, Brenden.
Our Number 22, notching #1 on @mls‘ #22U22, & turning 20, too🤯
Tap 💙 to wish a very happy 20th birthday to Brenden Aaronson – no longer a teen!
We hope you have a great day, Brenden 🥳 pic.twitter.com/oCPficVwn7
— X – PhilaUnion (@PhilaUnion) October 22, 2020
MLS
Here is the full 22 Under 22 list.
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Matt Doyle’s explanation on Fontana being left off the list has some truth to it, but I think he is missing what numbers aren’t telling you. He does touch on it, but then discards it. It being Fontana’s movement. His movement is elite right now. He makes runs others don’t. He attacks. Even when he passes back under pressure, he moves towards goal in expectation of the return pass. It’s not just about retreating and resetting.
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I don’t think Fontana is a classic playmaker nor should he try to be. He’s a “volume” forward. He’ll connect and move. He’ll go forward and attack. He’ll make runs to open spaces for others. He’ll shoot without fear. Someone said it before, he’s what we all hoped/thought Alberg would be, but more active.
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Coaches, pundits, players, are always talking about being “positive” with the football. Fontana is that player that consistently plays that way. He plays carefree and joyfull. He’s been undeniable. Play him.
Agreed on all accounts.
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I’m loving the Fontana bloom, and it’s a moment to behold. He plays fearlessly, positively, confidently. And it’s while being benched the game after he had a brace, while he’s been substituted after putting in a brilliant 60min shift.
That alone turns my head. It tells me he’s becoming a mature player who gets himself in the headspace for whenever he’s called on.
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Can’t wait to see what happens when he’s given the keys to the car.
Serginio Dest to be the first American to start in an El Classico!
It’s odd seeing Barca in a 4-2-3-1……..not in the traditional 4-3-3.