Who: D.C. United vs Philadelphia Union
What: MLS Regular Season, Matchday 12
Where: Audi Field, Washington, D.C.
When: Saturday, May 4, 7:30 PM EST
Watch: Apple TV – Free
Whistle: TBD
May the MLS action be with you, Doopers.
Philadelphia Union’s “sunny” home stretch will be interrupted by a trip to the nation’s capital as they take on D.C. United on Saturday night. D.C. United have played one more game than the Boys in Blue, and have claimed one more loss. Otherwise, both teams have had eerily similar starts to their seasons.
Scouting Report: D.C. United
Troy Lesesne and Ally Mackay –one of the the youngest manager and chief soccer officer duos in the league–have given D.C. a new up-tempo approach, making the Black-and-Red look refreshed and dangerous.
However, the team often pushes so hard upfield that there is a potential to leave themselves open to easy chances on the counter attack if and when their press isn’t successful. Christian Benteke has proven to be an essential part of the team, yet no one else on the squad can seemingly score.
Coming into the game with a week’s rest, can the Black-and-Red put together a win streak? D.C. United have only 1 win against Philadelphia since the 2016 season, so it won’t be easy, but the possibility for building momentum is brewing.
Injury Report: William Conner Antley (injured), Theodore Ku-DiPietro (injured), Russell Canouse (injured)
Scouting Report: Philadelphia Union
Nearly one third into the season, the Philadelphia Union seem to be creating more questions regarding their playing than answering them. However, Curtin’s squad have a chance to shift momentum after suffering two consecutive uncharacteristic home losses.
Come-from-behind results have been common for this year’s Union squad, but Curtin stressed it wasn’t a trend he wanted to see continue, “it’s very emotionally draining, physically draining to chase a game from behind.”
Philadelphia sits squarely in the middle of the Eastern Conference at 3-2-4, one spot above D.C. United.
Injury Report: Nick Pariano (injured), Holden Trent (injured), Isaiah Konrad McNeil LeFlore (injured).
Matchup to Watch: Christian Benteke vs. Philly defense
Christian Benteke leads D.C. United into a matchup with the Philadelphia Union after scoring two goals against the Seattle Sounders. For a Philadelphia Union defense playing uncharacteristically shaky, he could cause problems throughout the game.
Player to Watch: Quinn Sullivan
You could argue that Sullivan has become the Union’s most indispensable player this year. Able to produce the work rate required for Curtin’s desired press as well as moments of offensive creative brilliance, Sullivan has started every match for Philly this season.
Prediction: D.C. United 1 – 2 Philadelphia Union
It’s a tough battle at Audi Field, but the Union use the force to secure the (galaxy’s) future. Expect Christian Benteke to score D.C. United’s lone goal.
I have no hope for this game, DC are good and we are away. Although it seems we’re better away then at home now… so who knows!
REF: Ismir Pekmic
AR1: Walt Heatherly
AR2: Kevin Lock
4TH: Eric Tattersall
VAR: Kevin Stott
AVAR: Logan Brown
Wonder-strike by the kid gives us a point on the road!