Philadelphia Union
A Chance at Redemption: Union Welcome NYCFC
Another feature of what is becoming a massive MLS rivalry is underway this Sunday as NYCFC pays a visit to Subaru Park. The U aim to build from midweek positives to wipe Matchday 1 off the minds of the Philly faithful. While New York ended Philly’s Supporters’ Shield Season last year, it will be the Union with all to play for heading into the second MLS match of the season.
Possession Without Precision: NYCFC Searches for a Cutting Edge
The Pigeons enter Sunday’s match-up better rested, but with the same problem. Scoring goals. NYCFC’s first match against the LA Galaxy finished in a 1-1 draw, where the only New York goal came from a penalty kick off the foot of Nicolás Fernández. A VAR decision sent LA’s Carlos Garces off on a second yellow, but the man advantage was not enough to give NYC the edge in their opening match.
Shot generation was the largest factor for NYC, as they only had one shot on target the entire match. While the side generated seven shots off target, expect a more aggressive approach from a New York side that struggled to create attacking options while holding 64% of possession over Matchweek One.
Defensively, the Pigeons rely on their Philadelphia Union alum, Matt Freese, to keep the squad solid. Freese had five saves on six total shots. However, a lone breakdown in the second minute of NYC’s first match had them chasing from the opening whistle.
Pascal Jansen’s side features players who have provided issues for the U in the past, and at the center of it all is Maxi Moralez. NYC’s number 10 has scored six total goals against the U, four of which came in postseason moments. Most recently, Moralez scored the only goal in a 1-0 win in the Conference Semifinals last season to end the Union’s season.
Alongside Moralez, the team brings wingers Hannes Wolf and Agustin Ojeda, who complement a possession-based approach that features athletic wingbacks Tayvon Gray and Kevin O’Toole. Wolf finished with 11 goals last season, who, joining with their newest signing Nicolás Fernández, looks to give the largest threats to the Union heading into the match.
Finally, when rounding out the midfield, it is important to acknowledge Kai Trewin. Entering the season off a free transfer from Melbourne City FC, Trewin is crucial to the balance of a NYCFC squad that loves to get forward. With experience at centerback, Trewin plays as the stay-at-home six. Better pressure from the Union in the midfield spaces will be needed to create effective turnovers that can spring into lethal counters.
Keys To Success
Keeping shots to a minimum will be crucial to success for NYCFC. Matt Freese is no stranger to Subaru Park, and while the Union created chances in Washington last weekend, they were few and far between. Holding a clean sheet and keeping the Union off the ball could create enough chances to finish a beginning-of-the-season road trip with at least four points.
Champions Cup Confidence Meets MLS Urgency
The Union enters Sunday’s match with multiple variables in their favor. After an abysmal exit from the MLS Cup Playoffs last season at the feet of NYCFC, emotions will run high for a squad looking to bounce back after some growing pains in the nation’s capital. While being held scoreless in the opening match of the MLS campaign, the Boys in Blue scored a combined 12 goals in their two-leg bout against Trinidad and Tobago’s Defence Force FC. Nine different goalscorers found the back of the net in that series, sending the Union to the Round of 16 in the Concacaf Champions Cup.
While this will be the fourth match for the Philadelphia Union in the last two weeks, Bradley Carnell rotated his squad heading into the second leg of the Champions Cup, featuring Jovan Lukic who returned from injury. Lukic will likely not play the full 90 for Philly in tonight’s match, but expect him to be a factor as he works alongside Danley to hold down the Union’s defensive half.
The Boys in Blue will also not have their new striker, Ezekiel Alladoh, who picked up a straight red after an altercation in the season opener against D.C. United. The slot will be filled by Agustin Anello, who was rested against Defence Force FC for a pairing with Bruno Damiani this afternoon.
Working into the midfield, a positive second half from Cavan Sullivan in Thursday’s match could give him the right to more minutes off the bench. Cavan grabbed two goals and two assists in the seven-goal outing, becoming the youngest goalscorer in Concacaf Champions Cup play. Additionally, with the return of Lukic and Danley as the midfield pairing, Jesus Bueno will be situational after a solid start against D.C. last weekend.
While the Union made official the signing of defender Philippe Ndinga to the squad, he will likely not feature for the side. Expect a similar backline to the one that faced DCU, with a potential swap at left back to feature Westfield rather than Sundstrom. Blake has taken some rest since his feature against D.C. and will almost certainly be between the sticks to face NYC.
The players to watch in this big Eastern Conference matchup will be the forwards. After a lackluster start for Bruno Damiani in the opening match, competition for the second striker spot will remain between Damiani and Anello. I expect a better performance from the two forwards who are looking to prove their keep in the starting rotation.
Keys to Success
This is the Union’s match to lose. With the home crowd behind them, Subaru Park will give them all the atmosphere necessary for a squad coming to Philly off an early-season road trip. Also, with NYCFC loving possession, this is the match that Union players dream of. Staying solid defensively, creating turnovers, and breaking on counters will be the key to the match for a squad looking to write the wrongs of last weekend.
You can catch this match on Apple TV at 4:30 p.m.
