Photo: Marjorie Elzey
Who: Philadelphia Union vs FC Dallas
What: MLS Regular Season
Where: Subaru Park, Chester Pennsylvania
Watch: Apple TV – MLS Season Pass
Whistle: REF: Fotis Bazakos; AR1: Corey Parker; AR2: Justin Howard; 4TH: Joshua Encarnacion; VAR: Jose Carlos Rivero; AVAR: Tom Supple
It’s another midweek matchday as the MLS season inches closer to completion. Philadelphia will host Dallas on Wednesday night, with the Union already clinching their spot in the playoffs. Dallas on the other hand, finds themselves right on the playoff line in the Western Conference, looking to move higher in the standings.
Scouting Report: FC Dallas
It’s been a good September so far for Dallas, who are currently on a four-game unbeaten run. However, that streak does only include one win to complement three draws.
Leading the attacking lines for Dallas is USMNT player Jesus Ferreira who’s notched 12 goals on the year. Paul Arriola and Jader Obrian also get into advanced positions on the wings. Feeding the attack is center midfielder Alan Velasco.
Shielding the backline is midfielder Facundo Quignon, but if Dallas wants to be more attack minded Paxton Pomykal is also an option in the center.
In defense, Dallas has the center back pairing of Jose Martinez and Nkosi Tafari, while Marco Farfan is an option on the left to get up into the attack. In goal is Maarten Paes.
Injury Report: OUT: Bernard Kamungo, Geovane Jesus, Tarik Scott, Sebastian Lletget.
Scouting Report: Philadelphia Union
Philadelphia will be looking to build off a decent home draw against LAFC last Saturday, but will be making some changes with injuries. Up top, Julian Carranza is out after not clearing the concussion protocol this week. Tai Baribo, Chris Donovan, and Quinn Sullivan are options to replace him up top on Wednesday.
The midfield will stay relatively consistent, with several healthy options to pick from for Jim Curtin. Alejandro Bedoya, Jack McGlynn and Jesus Bueno can all fill options in the midfield with Daniel Gazdag and Jose Martinez, assuming that El Brujo is good to go.
In defense, Jacob Glesnes is not expected to play due to a nagging injury. Damion Lowe will likely play alongside Jack Elliott, while Kai Wagner will be on the left and Oliver Mbaizo will be on the right with Andre Blake in goal.
Injury Report: Out: Julian Carranza, Leon Flach; Questionable: Jakob Glesnes; Probable: Jose Martinez.
Key Match-Up: Depth
Coming to the tail end of a long regular season, both teams have had depth tested. Philadelphia is dealing with several key injuries, while Dallas is gearing up for several matches in a short period of time.
Player to Watch: Tai Baribo
With Carranza out, Baribo will play a larger role either from the start or extended playing time from the bench. It’s a chance for the new man to make a lasting impression.
Prediction: Philadelphia 1-1 Dallas
A slow and physical match finds a goal for both sides and the points are shared.
Odds:
Philadelphia: -140
Dallas: +340
Draw: +280
hoping for a more spirited match after that weather-related dud.
The Union need a better result than a home draw given that their last 2 home matches have also been draws. This is their game in hand and chance to move into 2nd. After this they have 2 more at home and 2 on the road against teams that have lost a combined 1 home game.
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They really need 9 points at home to have a decent shot of avoiding Cincinnati or Messi until the conference finals. (of course if it’s Messi, the league will probably find a way to declare 11 Union players ineligible for the match).
Beat Dallas – DOOP IT UP !!!
Glesnes and Martinez are both out. Union are short a man on the bench.