Photo: Marjorie Elzey
Who: Philadelphia Union vs. Inter Miami FC
What: MLS Regular Season
Where: Subaru Park, Chester, PA
When: Saturday, June 24, 7:30 p.m.
Watch: Apple TV+
Whistle: REF: Ramy Touchan, AR1: Nick Uranga, AR2: Brian Dunn, 4TH: Malik Badawi, VAR: Michael Radchuk, AVAR: Mike Kampmeinert
If it’s been three days, it must be another Union game.
This weekend, the Herons of Inter Miami FC come to town. There’s no Messi yet, but plenty to discuss between these two sides.
Scouting report: Inter Miami FC
Miami is terrible.
On their second 6-game losing streak of the 2023 campaign, the visitors are last place in the East. Though they have names on their 4-2-3-1 team sheet incliduing Josef Martinez and DeAndre Yedlin, those players haven’t produced enough to earn consistent points.
Despite having the first NINE articles on MLSSoccer.com attributed to his potential arrival earlier in the week, Lionel Messi will not be involved on the weekend.
And yet, in March Miami defeated this very same Philadelphia Union 2-0 at home. The Union were amidst a Concacaf Champion’s League run and could blame their troubles on that, but have actually been somewhat bad against Miami – winning only once in the last five.
Injury report: OUT – Gregore (Lisfranc), Jean Mora (knee), Ryan Sailor (hamstring), Dixon Arroyo (groin)
International Duty: Edison Azcona, Kamal Miller, DeAndre Yedlin
Scouting report: Philadelphia Union
The Philadelphia Union stole a point at the death in a cavernous and empty Exploria Stadium on Wednesday night.
The Lions were two goals to the good before allowing a squeaker and a screamer to share the spoils. The result wasn’t more than the Union deserved, and that Jose Martinez now has his signature Union moment made it even the more lovely. Coming home should aid the Boys in Blue’s rhythm and flow – they’ve won 17 of 20 at home – though they’ll still be missing key parts of their spine while the international break continues.
In the place of Union regulars, Jose Torres didn’t delight midweek, Alejandro Bedoya looked to be most of the way fit, and Brenden Craig didn’t but still could slot into a 5-man line at center back. All are questions to be answered come lineup time, around 6:30pm tomorrow.
Injury report: OUT – Andrea Perea (illness)
International Duty: Daniel Gazdag, Damion Lowe, Andre Blake.
Key matchup: Depth
The law of diminishing returns suggests your happiness in eating that first Oreo will likely decline by the time you get to that 100th one. As it goes in modern soccer, both teams will be without key players amidst a perpetually packed and inevitably fatiguing soccer season, one that never seems to end. Who can slot in and fill the void will ultimately determine who walks away with points.
Player to watch: Mikeal Uhre
A year after barn-storming his way to double-digit goals, Uhre is still on pace for that tally. However, this year he feels a step off – or that defenses are marking him differently. In either case or another altogether, the Union need all the hard work Uhre’s put in to stretch defenses and create space, but they also need his name on the score sheet.
Prediction: Philadelphia Union 4-0 Inter Miami FC
Miami is bad and the Union often punish bad teams, especially at home. Why not a proper thumping?
Gutsy prediction. Let’s hope. I will be in attendance.
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I am also curious whether Torres would look better in the 3-5-2 the Union had been playing before the break. It gives more cover and pushes the wings into attack.
I agree, Deez. Even more, I would like to see Brenden Craig get a run, and the 3-5-2 can allow for that.
Shouldn’t Gazdag be back from international duty as he last played back on Tuesday and Hungary doesn’t have another game until September?
He’s back in town
Is GOAT Messi playing debut today?
No… July 21st… not in Chester.
Why not give Trent a shot against Miami with Gazdag back, and 3-5-2 again?
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We NEED a win at home. FCC is running away with the Supporter Shield and looks very impressive.
4-0 is a confident prediction. We’ve struggled against them in the past a lot and they are in desperate need of points. I think it will be a really cagey and ugly 2-0 win
Could be a late game with scattered thunderstorms predicted from 5-9pm.
I agree that 4-0 might look a bit optimistic. They had a bit of a shaky start on Wed & lots of luck in that second half. And there is that Miami history to contend with. Any win would be welcome
Watching goal scoring highlights this week, Atlanta in the same position as we are.
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Like Joe Bendik, Brad Guzan should be a coach, no longer an MLS goalie. Watch the first few minutes of the highlights, then fast forward to Orlando’s 2 goals. Looks like the same ‘future goalie coach’ in the net for all four goals.
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Give Trent a shot tonight! Everyone but Blake and Lowe, 3-5-2 and home field, sell out advantage.