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Philadelphia Vs D.C. United: Head To Head Preview
The Union get their first match at home.
Apr 8, 2010 2:06:00 PM
By Keith Hickey and Steven Streff
On Form
D.C. United: Two games, two defeats, six goals conceded, zero scored. Is it possible to pick someone or something for United that is in form? Juan Manuel Pena did look composed in his first start in the center of defense, and his passing from the back is another bonus. But the man he was marking, Kenny Mansally, did pop up to score the first goal in the loss to New England. Brandon Barklage looked decent playing on the right side of midfield after returning from a major injury, and he nearly popped in for a goal with a header from a corner.
Union: There were few bright spots for the Union against Seattle last time out, but young forwards Roger Torres and Jack McInerny provided the most entertaining moments of offense for Philadelphia. Their craft and potential should make Union fans happy about the club's future. The sheer work-rate of striker Sebastien Le Toux was on display as well, and the French striker was the source of plenty of trouble for the Sounders' defense. Despite being played out of his usual defensive position, Michael Orozco impressed coach Piotr Nowak in the defensive midfield role.
Off Target
D.C. United: United in the final third. Last week, it was noted that the offense would get questioned if they failed to perform against New England. And guess what, they failed to perform against New England. D.C. had a majority of the possession throughout the game -- as New England allowed it -- but the Black and Red lacked any creativity in the final third. And when United was able to create a couple of chances, Quaranta, Moreno, and Pontius all failed to finish off their opportunities. Zero goals in two games so far this season for a team that failed to score in just five matches last season is just not acceptable.
Union: The much-hyped Union backline will have to improve. Captain Danny Califf didn't have a bad game, but picking up cards before the first minute has ticked by is hardly a blueprint for inspirational leadership. David Myrie's performance was so poor, Piotr Nowak had him released from his contract. Toni Stahl was sent off, and has since been loaned to USL-2 side Harrisburg City Islanders. First pick Danny Mwanga was largely ineffective, and had trouble asserting himself in an admittedly unfamiliar central midfield role.
Tactics
D.C. United: Curt Onalfo's 4-4-2 looked more promising against New England, but again, New England allowed D.C. to retain most of the possession. Onalfo stated after the Revolution match that defense is always a priority when playing away from home, so look for Onalfo's side to sit back and absorb more pressure than they did last week. The defense should remain the same, but the rest of the team might endure some changes. Onalfo might want to give Danny Allsopp a start up top considering how much United has stuttered in the final third so far. It's also possible that Chris Pontius would then slide out to the right midfield position, although it would be conceivable to see either him or Jaime Moreno start on the bench.
Union: Nowak will likely stick to his 4-4-2, and don't be surprised if Jamaican international Shavar Thomas starts in defense. He should help bring some additional experience and defensive resolve into the youthful Union side. There might be some tinkering in the midfield, but don't expect much change up top, with Le Toux and Moreno Nowak's favored pairing. Much of the creative duties will fall to the wings, especially teenage Colombian playmaker Roger Torres. Chris Seitz will almost certainly be back in goal.
Intangibles
D.C. United: This is soon to be United's biggest rival. It's the first-ever meeting against Philadelphia, a team two hours away from RFK Stadium. That should be enough motivation to raise the level of United's play. If not, then this team has no pulse. United will also want to avoid becoming known in MLS history as the first team to lose to Philadelphia.
Union: Philly will be looking to pick up their first ever win at home, in their first-ever game in front of the Sons of Ben. That sense of pride, and the accompanying desire to prove themselves should be the overriding impetus for Major League Soccer's youngest side (in more ways than one). They'll also be looking for their first ever goal, and first game without having a player sent off, both excellent motivations for the Union. If that doesn't work, the desire not to end up like David Myrie should provide an additional kick up the backside.
Outcome
D.C. United: United will finally score, but they will continue to concede. A score draw, which will receive mixed reviews by players and fans alike.
Union: Union 1-0 DC - United will keep plenty of possession, but their blunted attack will fail to score against a determined Union defense. La U will nick a late goal for the club's first ever MLS victory.
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D.C. United: Two games, two defeats, six goals conceded, zero scored. Is it possible to pick someone or something for United that is in form? Juan Manuel Pena did look composed in his first start in the center of defense, and his passing from the back is another bonus. But the man he was marking, Kenny Mansally, did pop up to score the first goal in the loss to New England. Brandon Barklage looked decent playing on the right side of midfield after returning from a major injury, and he nearly popped in for a goal with a header from a corner.
Union: There were few bright spots for the Union against Seattle last time out, but young forwards Roger Torres and Jack McInerny provided the most entertaining moments of offense for Philadelphia. Their craft and potential should make Union fans happy about the club's future. The sheer work-rate of striker Sebastien Le Toux was on display as well, and the French striker was the source of plenty of trouble for the Sounders' defense. Despite being played out of his usual defensive position, Michael Orozco impressed coach Piotr Nowak in the defensive midfield role.
Off Target
D.C. United: United in the final third. Last week, it was noted that the offense would get questioned if they failed to perform against New England. And guess what, they failed to perform against New England. D.C. had a majority of the possession throughout the game -- as New England allowed it -- but the Black and Red lacked any creativity in the final third. And when United was able to create a couple of chances, Quaranta, Moreno, and Pontius all failed to finish off their opportunities. Zero goals in two games so far this season for a team that failed to score in just five matches last season is just not acceptable.
Union: The much-hyped Union backline will have to improve. Captain Danny Califf didn't have a bad game, but picking up cards before the first minute has ticked by is hardly a blueprint for inspirational leadership. David Myrie's performance was so poor, Piotr Nowak had him released from his contract. Toni Stahl was sent off, and has since been loaned to USL-2 side Harrisburg City Islanders. First pick Danny Mwanga was largely ineffective, and had trouble asserting himself in an admittedly unfamiliar central midfield role.
Tactics
D.C. United: Curt Onalfo's 4-4-2 looked more promising against New England, but again, New England allowed D.C. to retain most of the possession. Onalfo stated after the Revolution match that defense is always a priority when playing away from home, so look for Onalfo's side to sit back and absorb more pressure than they did last week. The defense should remain the same, but the rest of the team might endure some changes. Onalfo might want to give Danny Allsopp a start up top considering how much United has stuttered in the final third so far. It's also possible that Chris Pontius would then slide out to the right midfield position, although it would be conceivable to see either him or Jaime Moreno start on the bench.
Union: Nowak will likely stick to his 4-4-2, and don't be surprised if Jamaican international Shavar Thomas starts in defense. He should help bring some additional experience and defensive resolve into the youthful Union side. There might be some tinkering in the midfield, but don't expect much change up top, with Le Toux and Moreno Nowak's favored pairing. Much of the creative duties will fall to the wings, especially teenage Colombian playmaker Roger Torres. Chris Seitz will almost certainly be back in goal.
Intangibles
D.C. United: This is soon to be United's biggest rival. It's the first-ever meeting against Philadelphia, a team two hours away from RFK Stadium. That should be enough motivation to raise the level of United's play. If not, then this team has no pulse. United will also want to avoid becoming known in MLS history as the first team to lose to Philadelphia.
Union: Philly will be looking to pick up their first ever win at home, in their first-ever game in front of the Sons of Ben. That sense of pride, and the accompanying desire to prove themselves should be the overriding impetus for Major League Soccer's youngest side (in more ways than one). They'll also be looking for their first ever goal, and first game without having a player sent off, both excellent motivations for the Union. If that doesn't work, the desire not to end up like David Myrie should provide an additional kick up the backside.
Outcome
D.C. United: United will finally score, but they will continue to concede. A score draw, which will receive mixed reviews by players and fans alike.
Union: Union 1-0 DC - United will keep plenty of possession, but their blunted attack will fail to score against a determined Union defense. La U will nick a late goal for the club's first ever MLS victory.
Goal.com wants to know who you think will win this match!
Get all the latest MLS news with Goal.com's dedicated page.
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