Photo by Marjorie Elzey

Who: Philadelphia Union (15th place, 0 points, 0-0-5) vs. Charlotte FC (4th place, 8 points, 2-2-1)
What: MLS Regular Season Game Matchday 6
Where: Bank of America Stadium
When: Saturday, April 4th, 7:30 PM
Watch: Apple TV, Radio: WFNZ 92.7 FM (ENG); 106.1 FM (WOLS) (ESP) Charlotte area only
Whistle: REF: Drew Fischer AR1: Micheal Barwegen AR2: Ben Pilgrim 4TH: Elton Garcia VAR: Lukasz Szpala AVAR: Claudiu Badea

After a much needed week off, a hopefully recalibrated Philadelphia Union side will travel down south to the Queen City to face off with a surging Charlotte FC. The Crown brushed aside RBNY last week, running riot over the 10-man Red Bulls with a score of 6-1. Meanwhile, the Union made it 5 losses in a row, their worst start to the season in franchise history. But the international break has given the Boys in Blue their first full weeks of training since preseason. Can Philadelphia stop the rot in Charlotte? Let’s find out.

Scouting report: Charlotte (W-D-W-L-D)

After a couple seasons of solid defensive play but a lackluster attack under Dean Smith, the former Aston Villa manager’s side may have turned the corner into being just a straight-up good team. After a slightly shaky start, which saw them tie the struggling Saint Louis and suffer a 3-0 loss to the Galaxy, Charlotte have found some form of late. First, they rebounded with a decisive 3-1 win over Austin, then they held the reigning champs Miami to a scoreless draw, before their most recent victory against the Red Bulls. The Crown boast their usual complement in defense including Tim Ream and Harry Toffolo. But, the recent pickup of center back Morrison Agyemang (no relation to former CLT striker Patrick) has helped add some youthful exuberance to an experienced, but aging, backline. 

In attack, Pep Biel has found a new gear since he was permanently signed from Greek giants Olympiacos. The mercurial Wilfried Zaha remains a threat, though he always seems close to self-destructing. Kerwin Vargas and Idnan Toklomati both add creativity and goal-scoring ability for the Queen City Club.

But, despite their recent form, there’s a big asterisk mark next to Charlotte’s wins: Red cards. In both of Charlotte’s wins, their opponents received a red card with the majority of their goals coming after that game-changing moment. Therefore, it’s fair to question just how good their attack really is, or if it’s been boosted by playing against 10 men.

• Injury report: OUT: Jack Neeley (lower body)
• Suspended: N/a

Scouting report: Philadelphia Union (L-L-L-L-L)

5 games. 5 losses. Everyone knows it’s been a brutal opening stretch to the season for the Supporters Shield holders. The worst start in team history, probably the worst start from a Supporters Shield winner in league history. After 9 games across all competitions, only the games against Defence Force (who are basically a semi-pro side) and the second half of Leg 2 vs Club América were the only times Philly truly showed any bite. 

One of the biggest concerns, in my view, is that Head Coach Bradley Carnell has used a different lineup in every match this season. Playing mid-week games makes rotation necessary, but it’s alarming that there doesn’t appear to be a nailed on best starting eleven. Where is Japhet Sery? Has Ezekial Alladoh done enough to get out of the dog house? Both of those players are supposed to be key starters. While Alladoh faced internal disciplinary issues, Sery’s recent lack of playing time is glaring. 

Another big question the Union needs to answer is that of their press. It simply has not been good enough. That’s a big problem for a team that has double, triple, and even quadruple downed on that being their playing philosophy. What can Carnell and the players adjust to see it work for them again?  

With the international break, there is at least a chance the Boys in Blue will be playing at a higher level than before it. It has afforded the Union the much needed opportunity to log two full weeks of practice, something they had not had since preseason due to the mid-week games. I don’t care how skeptical you are, for a team that only signed their starting left back last month, that’s basically a god-send. Will it make any difference? We shall see.  

• Injury report: OUT: Agustin Anello (hamstring), OUT: Quinn Sullivan (knee).

Key matchup

The Union vs. Themselves

Much of the reason the Union find themselves 0-5 is due to their own poor performances, basically across the board. Managing roster turnover and juggling league play with CCC are all reasonable excuses for a bad start, but the Union really shouldn’t be this bad. They need to show everyone – including themselves – who they really are.

Player to Watch: Pep Biel

The Spanish maestro has already logged 4 goals and an assist in just 5 games played. His ability to pull the strings from midfield is dangerous and could easily win Charlotte the game.

Prediction: Charlotte FC 2 – 1 Philadelphia Union

Ok at some point, the Union will get a win. But, away to Charlotte, on the turf, it just doesn’t feel like it’ll happen today. Expect the losing streak to continue.