Match Preview: Philadelphia Union vs Colorado Rapids

Match: Philadelphia Union vs Colorado Rapids

Time: 7:00pm EST, 6:00pm CST, 4:00pm PST

Venue: Talen Energy Stadium (Chester, Pa.)

Television: The Comcast Network, Altitude

Streaming: MLS Live (Subscription Only)

Referees: OFFICIAL: Juan Carlos Rivero, AR 1: Craig Lowry, AR 2: Anthony Vasoli, 4TH: Sorin Stoica

All-time Record: The Union have 1 win, 3 draws, and 5 losses against Colorado with a goal differential of -4.

What Colorado will look like:

Remember when the Rapids were really good last year and then totally built of that season’s performance?

Yeah I don’t either.

The Rapids have struggled to regain their form from last season and have had a similar start to the season like the Philadelphia Union. Just like the Union, however, Colorado blew the door wide open with a 3-0 win over San Jose. Unlike the Union, however, they turned around and got ruined by a very improved Chicago Fire club by the same score.

With players like Shkelzan Gashi and Kevin Doyle, its hard to see a team that struggles to score. The Rapids have proved my doubts correct again by only bagging eight goals in ten matches. A disjointed and disorganized team is exactly the same way I would’ve described the Philadelphia Union a few weeks ago, but now that description is solely used for Colorado.

What the Union will look like:

The Philadelphia Union have handled their business in the last few games and suddenly have a three game winning streak and a five game unbeaten streak going. The compactness of the Union defense and the shifting of personnel have been the most telling changes in a suddenly very good Union team.

Alejandro Bedoya and Haris Medunjanin have formed a pretty formidable central midfield pairing. Ilsinho has taken over in the center of the attack with good results. Fafa Picault has emerged as a goal scoring threat. Chris Pontius is now a distributor. It’s truly amazing to watch the individuals up front produce while the sure-footed defense plays to their best ability.

Everything is clicking for the Union.

What to expect:

The Philadelphia Union will be very disappointed if they do not keep their streak going against Colorado. On a short week and travelling, Colorado would be happy to play for the draw. The Union aren’t exactly the best against Colorado and a win here would actually be the first time they will have beaten the Rapids at home.

Projected Lineup: GK Andre Blake; LB Fabinho, LCB Richie Marquez, RCB Jack Elliott, RB Keegan Rosenberry; CDM Haris Medunjanin, CDM Alejandro Bedoya; LM Fafa Picault, CAM Ilsinho, RM Chris Pontius; ST CJ Sapong

Result: Philadelphia Union 3-0 Colorado Rapids