Photo: Marjorie Elzey
Who: Philadelphia Union vs Toronto FC
What: MLS Regular Season
Where: Subaru Park, Chester, Pennsylvania
Watch: Apple TV – MLS Season Pass
Whistle: REF: Alex Chilowicz; AR1: Jason White; AR2: Kevin Klinger; 4th: Brooke Mayo; VAR: Geoff Gamble; AVAR: Fabio Tovar
The matchup between Philadelphia Union and Toronto FC on Saturday night will feature two sides looking to turn around disappointing starts to their league seasons.
Philadelphia knew life would be hard in the league season, due to Champions League ambitions. Still, with their added depth in the offseason, they cannot be happy with just 8 points in their first 8 games.
Toronto finds themselves near Philadelphia in the standings with 9 points from 8 games. They too will be disappointed in their start, as hopes of a full off-season with Italian additions Federico Bernardeschi and Lorenzo Insigne have not paid off due to an early injury to Insigne.
Scouting Report: Toronto FC
Currently sitting ninth in the Eastern Conference, Toronto will be looking to restart their campaign and pick up what would only be their second win of the season. The aforementioned Bernardeschi has been leading the team in scoring, he’s the team leader in goals and assists with three each. Mark Anthony Kaye has had a good start to the season as well, notching two goals. Toronto has been struggling to score, though their dry spell may be short lived as Insigne and Ayo Akinola are returning from injury.
Jonathan Osorio and Brandon Servania have been two bright spots in the Toronto midifield. Osorio has picked up two assists while the new-comer Servania scored a late equalizer against Atlanta last weekend. Jahkeele Marshall-Rutty is an exciting younger player to watch out for off the bench.
In defense, Toronto fields dangerous Canadian right back Richie Lareya, who is a threat to get into the attack. The centerback pairing will most likely see Lukas McNaughton and Sigurd Rosted. Michael Bradley is also an option off the bench. In goal will be USMNT goalkeeper Sean Johnson, who made the switch from NYCFC in the offseason.
Injury Report: Out: Christian Gutierrez, Adama Diomande, Matt Hedges, Victor Vasquez. Questionable: Lorenzo Insigne.
Scouting Report: Philadelphia Union
Philadelphia will be looking to build off their recent advancement in Champions League and a comeback draw in Chicago. Daniel Gazdag and Julian Carranza found the score sheet again at Soldier Field, while Mikael Uhre looks to get going.
The midfield will see some turnover as it is not clear if Jack McGlynn, Leon Flach, or Jesus Bueno will get a start in the diamond. Jose Martinez and Alejandro Bedoya are expected starters, with Andres Perea waiting in the wings. Joaquin Torres will also be an option off the bench if an attacking threat is needed.
In defense Kai Wagner is expected to return to his left back position following an injury, with Olivier Mbaizo taking up the right. The centerback pairing will feature Jakob Glesnes and Jack Elliott, with Damian Lowe a possible option on the bench. Andre Blake will be in net for Philadelphia.
Injury Report: None
Key Match-Up: Transition Battles
Philadelphia likes to find most of its attacking opportunities turning over the opponent and running at them, which they should be able to do against this Toronto side. Toronto also posses a threat in transition, and with two clinical European finishers up top those chances could end in goals.
Player to Watch: Mikael Uhre
Uhre hasn’t had the best start to his season, especially compared to his strike partner Carranza. Philadelphia will need him to get going to turn around their league form and he should have opportunities against a weaker side.
Prediction: Philadelphia 2-1 Toronto
Philadelphia get goals from both Uhre and Carranza to cancel out an Insigne strike and take all 3 points.
Odds:
Philadelphia: -170
Toronto: +400
Draw: +300
Just hope it is a good match, cause the weather is gonna suck…again
The weather is probably the most important factor
Gotta start putting some wins in the column. Don’t even care how at this point. Just get a win.
Just sucks MLS has no protocol to roll the game to Sunday, which will be perfect soccer weather.
As much as it is going to suck in the rain, wouldn’t want this game a day closer to LA on wed.
Union II are playing at the stadium at 2 PM Sunday in any case.
Since no one is watching I’d like to thank you guys for the updates. Go union…? F apple and the mls.
Obviously lots of people are watching, or they wouldn’t be commenting here
Yup. All 7 of them. My issue isn’t with the union or the sports. It’s the jerkoffs who decided it’s better to have a pay day instead of growing the game. You apple disciples are devout; I’ll give you that.
Right….because sticking with ESPN/Fox who were going to pay LESS than the previous deal they had was the best way forward. Which, there are documented low ratings for MLS for the past 2 decades on those platforms….Not many people were watching to begin with.
Time to get off the forking schneid and start getting serious or else Miami will be looking down on us in the East.