Photo: Marjorie Elzey
Who: Philadelphia Union vs New England Revolution
What: MLS Regular Season, Matchday 27
Where: Subaru Park, Chester, Pennsylvania
When: Wednesday, July 17, 7:30 PM EST
Watch: MLS Season Pass on Apple TV
Whistle: TBD
Since beginning the season 3-0-3, the Union have won just once in their last 17 games (1-10-6), with that lone victory coming against the Revolution at Gillette Stadium on May 18.
While the Union currently sit in last place in the East with 21 points, it’s worth noting that the bottom 5 clubs in the conference are all seperated by one single point. One of those clubs is New England, who sit at 13th in the East with 22 points.
New England are 5-0-4 overall since hosting Philadelphia in May, including a 2-0-1 road record. The Union, on the other hand, are 0-4-6 overall, sporting an 0-3-2 record at home.
Toronto and Nashville, the two teams who would currently qualify for the playoff’s ‘Best of 3’ series, are sitting at 27 and 26 points, respectively.
Scouting Report: New England Revolution
Struggling with injuries and suspensions, New England took a 1-0 lead against Orlando City SC on Saturday, ultimately failing to hold on and losing 3-1. The Revs have now dropped three of their last four on the back of a four-game winning streak, but they remain just four points back of ninth-place Nashville SC.
New England will follow up their visit to Philly with a home game against FC Dallas on Saturday night, their final match before the month-long MLS break.
Injury Report: Tomás Chancalay (Out)
Scouting Report: Philadelphia Union
Bottom of the East, Philadelphia continue to struggle with team depth while simultaneously coming up with aggrevating ways to lose.
Despite battling an ankle injury, Jesus Bueno has jumped back into training, and will be available for tomorrow’s match. Jose Martinez is back from his Copa America duties and will also be available for selection. Cavan Sullivan will be included in the matchday roster for the first time.
Perhaps most importantly, however, is the return of seasoned-veteran Andre Blake in goal.
Injury Report: N/A
Matchup to Watch: Glesnes & Elliott vs. New England
It’s no secret that Glesnes and Elliott have made some untimely mistakes that have lead to unnecessary opponent goals this season. With the reintroduction of Blake in goal, will they return to the defensive structure they know and excel at?
Player to Watch: Andre Blake
I recognize that Blake’s return does not signal the immediate rectification of the Union’s problems; his return won’t guarantee perfection. It will be interesting to see if there will be a shift in the dynamics of the team’s back line.
Prediction: Philadelphia Union 0-0 New England Revolution
Not a win, but not a loss. Consider this writer cautiously optimistic.
I guess 0-0 is the best they can hope for. Since they beat New England, 3 of their 4 points have come off of 0-0 draws and they have 4 losses and 1 draw in games which they have had the lead at some point.
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We’ll make it a gametime decision as to whether or not we bother to go depending on the weather.
Perhaps Blake will have a calming influence on the team ?
Union 2 Revs 1
I’m with you, 2-1. Blake and Martinez shore up the D, Baribo scores, as does either Uhre or Donovan.
Gil is out for NE and they have three 18 year olds starting.
Come on now, stop deflecting with the Cavan nonsense and win this one.
Blake saves the Day for first win in 11 games.
more of a realist than a pessimist here, but Blake wasn’t looking good before his extended absence. Hoping he has a return to form. wouldn’t be the first time he’s being asked to lift this team above mediocrity.
WSSM. Sell the team.
Cavan Sullivan…Freddy Adu 2.0? For all the wrong reasons?