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Philadelphia Union - Chicago Fire: Head To Head Preview
A clash of two tough Eastern teams.
By Ramin Majd and Isaac Heath
On Form
Philadelphia Union: Philly’s on-form players each contributed to the club’s lone goal against the Wizards last Saturday. Justin Mapp followed up his extra-time winner in New England with a pinpoint pass that started the scoring sequence. Danny Mwanga had the assist, adding more fuel to his Rookie of the Year candidacy. Sebastien Le Toux finished with his 10th goal of the season.
Chicago: While I would hesitate to call him “on form” as of yet, Nery Castillo was a bright spot for Chicago in Wednesday night’s 0-0 draw with Toronto FC. Castillo for me was the best player for the Fire particularly in the second half when he beat several defenders with some nifty footwork and set up his teammates with quality passing. Castillo will have to be great for Chicago these last 9 games for the team to have any prayer of making the playoffs.
Off Target
Philadelphia: Keeper Chris Seitz was caught out of position on a free kick, allowing Kansas City’s Davy Arnaud to score on seemingly routine play. Team manager Peter Nowak—a staunch defender of Seitz all season—made his feelings clear after the game:
“The guys in front of Chris made it very easy for him,” Nowak said. “This is goalkeeping ABCs. You’ve gotta make that save.”
Chicago: The other DP struggled for the Fire from start to finish on Wednesday. Ironically Freddie Ljunberg was the one who seemed to be thriving in Chicago with Castillo struggling, but it was the Swedish midfielder who had a night to forget. Ljunberg’s touch was off most of the night and he foiled the best opportunity of the night on a one on one with Frei.
Tactics
Philadelphia: Philly could see significant changes in their starting XI. Seitz’s subpar play may result in a promotion for backup keeper Brad Knighton. Two defenders—Michael Orozco Fiscal and Juan Diego Gonzalez—are doubtful due to injury, as is midfielder Eduardo Coudet. On the other hand, Fred and Shea Salinas look primed to return from their respective ailments. If defender Cristian Arrieta can get back in the lineup, Chicago will have to account for his and Salinas’s playmaking on the wings.
Chicago: Chicago knows that every game they play is a must win now, so do not expect Carlos de los Cobos to hold anything back against the expansion Union. Chicago will look to attack early with either John or McBride up top and then Ljunberg, Castillo and Nyarko attacking in the midfield. What will be interesting to see is what roll Marco Pappa will play as well. Nevertheless, if Chicago can score early I expect the team to go into a defensive shell and hang on for dear life.
Intangibles
Philadelphia: Second to last in the playoff race, the Union’s post-season hopes are on life support. We’re getting to the point in the season where players could be tempted to focus less on wins and more on impressing prospective future employers.
Chicago: Justin Mapp was once a promising US national team prospect and a budding star with the Chicago Fire. After being traded recently to clear up space for both Castillo and Ljunberg, the now Philadelphia Union midfielder would no doubt love to stick it to his old team and hurt their playoff chances.
Outcome
Philadelphia: Despite their dreadful overall record, the Union have been effective at home. Chicago may have more to play for, but Philly will give them all they have. Philadelphia 2-2 Chicago.
Chicago: The Fire and the Union will tie 1-1. But who knows, my picks have been about as inconsistent as the Fire themselves.
For more on Major League Soccer, visit Goal.com's MLS page and join Goal.com USA's Facebook fan page!
Philadelphia Union: Philly’s on-form players each contributed to the club’s lone goal against the Wizards last Saturday. Justin Mapp followed up his extra-time winner in New England with a pinpoint pass that started the scoring sequence. Danny Mwanga had the assist, adding more fuel to his Rookie of the Year candidacy. Sebastien Le Toux finished with his 10th goal of the season.
Chicago: While I would hesitate to call him “on form” as of yet, Nery Castillo was a bright spot for Chicago in Wednesday night’s 0-0 draw with Toronto FC. Castillo for me was the best player for the Fire particularly in the second half when he beat several defenders with some nifty footwork and set up his teammates with quality passing. Castillo will have to be great for Chicago these last 9 games for the team to have any prayer of making the playoffs.
Off Target
Philadelphia: Keeper Chris Seitz was caught out of position on a free kick, allowing Kansas City’s Davy Arnaud to score on seemingly routine play. Team manager Peter Nowak—a staunch defender of Seitz all season—made his feelings clear after the game:
“The guys in front of Chris made it very easy for him,” Nowak said. “This is goalkeeping ABCs. You’ve gotta make that save.”
Chicago: The other DP struggled for the Fire from start to finish on Wednesday. Ironically Freddie Ljunberg was the one who seemed to be thriving in Chicago with Castillo struggling, but it was the Swedish midfielder who had a night to forget. Ljunberg’s touch was off most of the night and he foiled the best opportunity of the night on a one on one with Frei.
Tactics
Philadelphia: Philly could see significant changes in their starting XI. Seitz’s subpar play may result in a promotion for backup keeper Brad Knighton. Two defenders—Michael Orozco Fiscal and Juan Diego Gonzalez—are doubtful due to injury, as is midfielder Eduardo Coudet. On the other hand, Fred and Shea Salinas look primed to return from their respective ailments. If defender Cristian Arrieta can get back in the lineup, Chicago will have to account for his and Salinas’s playmaking on the wings.
Chicago: Chicago knows that every game they play is a must win now, so do not expect Carlos de los Cobos to hold anything back against the expansion Union. Chicago will look to attack early with either John or McBride up top and then Ljunberg, Castillo and Nyarko attacking in the midfield. What will be interesting to see is what roll Marco Pappa will play as well. Nevertheless, if Chicago can score early I expect the team to go into a defensive shell and hang on for dear life.
Intangibles
Philadelphia: Second to last in the playoff race, the Union’s post-season hopes are on life support. We’re getting to the point in the season where players could be tempted to focus less on wins and more on impressing prospective future employers.
Chicago: Justin Mapp was once a promising US national team prospect and a budding star with the Chicago Fire. After being traded recently to clear up space for both Castillo and Ljunberg, the now Philadelphia Union midfielder would no doubt love to stick it to his old team and hurt their playoff chances.
Outcome
Philadelphia: Despite their dreadful overall record, the Union have been effective at home. Chicago may have more to play for, but Philly will give them all they have. Philadelphia 2-2 Chicago.
Chicago: The Fire and the Union will tie 1-1. But who knows, my picks have been about as inconsistent as the Fire themselves.
For more on Major League Soccer, visit Goal.com's MLS page and join Goal.com USA's Facebook fan page!
Field Report
Reader's Predictions
Top 3 Predictions
-
Philadelphia Union 2-1 Chicago Fire
- 28.57 %
-
Philadelphia Union 0-0 Chicago Fire
- 21.43 %
-
Philadelphia Union 1-2 Chicago Fire
- 21.43 %
| USA - Major League Soccer (MLS) | Aug 3, 2011 | Chicago Fire 1 - Philadelphia Union 1 |
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| USA - Major League Soccer (MLS) | May 21, 2011 | Philadelphia Union 2 - Chicago Fire 1 |
|
| USA - Major League Soccer (MLS) | Sep 11, 2010 | Philadelphia Union 1 - Chicago Fire 0 |
|
| USA - Major League Soccer (MLS) | Jun 5, 2010 | Chicago Fire 2 - Philadelphia Union 1 |
|
Philadelphia Union
   |
||
| Nov 3, 2011 | Houston Dynamo 1 - Philadelphia Union 0 | MLS |
| Oct 30, 2011 | Philadelphia Union 1 - Houston Dynamo 2 | MLS |
| Oct 20, 2011 | New York Red Bulls 1 - Philadelphia Union 0 | MLS |
| Oct 15, 2011 | Philadelphia Union 1 - Toronto FC 1 | MLS |
| Oct 8, 2011 | Seattle Sounders FC 0 - Philadelphia Union 2 | MLS |
Chicago Fire
  |
||
| Oct 22, 2011 | Chicago Fire 3 - Columbus Crew 2 | MLS |
| Oct 15, 2011 | D.C. United 1 - Chicago Fire 2 | MLS |
| Oct 12, 2011 | Chicago Fire 1 - FC Dallas 2 | MLS |
| Oct 1, 2011 | Houston Dynamo 1 - Chicago Fire 1 | MLS |
| Sep 28, 2011 | Real Salt Lake 0 - Chicago Fire 3 | MLS |
- Chicago Fire head coach: We are not interested in bringing in Bayer Leverkusen's Michael Ballack
- New York Red Bulls sign defender Wilman Conde
- Chicago Fire star Pavel Pardo believes Javier Hernandez is still the best young Mexican star and talks about Rafa Marquez's future in MLS
- Chicago Fire sign former Revolution striker Kheli Dube
| - | Brad Knighton | Goalkeeper |
| 4 | Dan Califf | Defender |
| 25 | Sheanon Williams | Defender |
| 26 | Jordan Harvey | Defender |
| 16 | Michael Orozco | Defender |
| 6 | Stefani Miglioranzi | Midfielder |
| - | Sebastien Le Toux | Midfielder |
| 10 | Danny Mwanga | Striker |
| 45 | Andrew Jacobson | Midfielder |
| 10 | Alejandro Moreno | Striker |
| 21 | Justin Mapp | Midfielder |
| 1 | Chris Seitz | Goalkeeper |
| - | Christian Arrieta | Defender |
| 14 | Amobi Okugo | Midfielder |
| 19 | Jack McInerney | Striker |
| - | Fred | Midfielder |
| 15 | Shea Salinas | Midfielder |
| - | Kyle Nakazawa | Midfielder |
| 25 | Sean Johnson | Goalkeeper |
| 7 | Krzysztof Krol | Defender |
| - | D. Umanzor | Defender |
| - | Peter Lowry | Midfielder |
| 22 | Wilman Conde | Defender |
| 15 | Collins John | Striker |
| 19 | Corben Bone | Midfielder |
| 21 | Nery Alberto Castillo | Striker |
| 28 | Steven Kinney | Defender |
| 7 | Mike Banner | Midfielder |
| 14 | Patrick Nyarko | Striker |
| - | Andrew Dykstra | Goalkeeper |
| 4 | Kwame Watson-Siriboe | Defender |
| - | Dasan Robinson | Defender |
| 12 | Logan Pause | Midfielder |
| 21 | Fredrik Ljungberg | Midfielder |
| 9 | Baggio Husidic | Midfielder |
| 3 | Calen Carr | Striker |
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