The Union won’t have Maurice Edu, but Vincent Nogueira will be available on Saturday. Figuring out how to fit Nogueira, Barnetta, and Maidana together is key for Jim Curtin in the buildup to the USOC final in September.
Compared to Wednesday, there is much less on the line for the Union and Fire this weekend. Philly should use the match to find out what kind of depth they have for the season’s stretch run.
Two struggling defenses face off as the Union attempt to contain Kaka while Orlando tries to figure out why its midfield has turned into a sieve.
The Union will need Zach Pfeffer to become more central to the offense if they want to challenge New York this weekend.
Much like last season, Philly needs a strong run in the second half of the season to make a playoff push. A 120 minute midweek game will test the starters’ legs on Sunday.
Michael Bradley is missing, but the fourteen goals of Giovinco and Jozy Altidore mean Toronto are still plenty dangerous. The Union will be without the suspended Maurice Edu as they cross the border for a showdown at BMO Field.
Portland has won six of seven games, but injuries to Darlington Nagbe and Diego Chara could make them vulnerable on the road if Philly can transition quickly.
A tired Montreal side should be picked off by the Union at home.
Can the Union return to collective effort when Seattle comes to town, or will they revert to the individual freelancing that doomed them in LA?
Curtin’s men need to aim to get through a grueling week with at least five points. Can they get a result in LA?
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