Adam played soccer for Haverford College and now writes about Philadelphia Union with the kind of tactical analysis rarely seen in the US. He believes soccer bars that don't open for the early game are not soccer bars. Follow him on Twitter @PSPadam. Email him at acann@phillysoccerpage.com.
Philly needs the US Open Cup to push them to the next phase of a long rebuilding process. Kansas City needs it to jumpstart them out of another late season lull. PPL Park was electric in the 2014 final, and it will be again tonight.
Sporting Kansas City’s tactical shape is the same, but Peter Vermes’ approach has evolved as his squad has changed. The team facing off against Philadelphia on Wednesday night will have a different strategy than the one that hoisted the US Open Cup in 2012.
The Union sat back and absorbed New England’s pressure. They earned a point through Andre Blake’s heroism and Fernando Aristeguieta’s fine finish, but they will need to transition with much more success to trouble Sporting Kansas City on Wednesday.
Fernando Aristeguieta and Andre Blake were the heroes as the Union earned a road point against New England Saturday night.
Philly will be peeking ahead to the USOC final, but New England needs points to secure the best playoff spot in a tight race. It all adds up to a one-sided contest, but the Union can use this match to improve their defensive shape against a team that moves well in the final third.
A poor showing from Houston gave Union fans a glimpse of the potential a fully loaded midfield offers. The return of Mo Edu led to unnecessary questions about his best position.
In the kind of game they need to learn how to win if they want to turn into a consistent playoff contender, the Union has a real chance to steal points at home against a Houston side struggling with injuries and suspensions.
When a talented team executes their gameplan perfectly, there is not much an opponent can do. The Crew are a talented team, and the Union could not recover after being pinned back the entire first half.
Philly needs all three points against a Columbus side that welcomes Kei Kamara back into the fold.
Conor Casey saved the day when it looked like a dire match was going to be decided by a wild handball.
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