The second game of the season between the Montreal Impact and the Philadelphia Union takes place this Saturday at 7:30pm EDT at Stade Saputo (TICKETS – TVA Sports, 98,5fm & TSN Radio 690). Here are 10 things to know on the opponent for the Impact’s 20th fixture.
Context
The Eastern Conference’s second-placed team, Philadelphia (8-6-6, 30 pts) is enjoying a remarkable season epitomized by an eight-game unbeaten streak, from April 23 to June 1. Despite a downturn over the last month (three losses in its last six games), the Union has managed this stretch well and just pulled off a fine result against the New York Red Bulls last Sunday night. Down 2-0 at the break, Jim Curtin’s men came back to tie 2-2 and held strong despite Ilsinho’s sending off. But the Union also just suffered a heartbreaking U.S. Open Cup quarterfinal loss against the New England Revolution: after a 90th-minute equalizer forced extra time, the Union took the Revs to a penalty shootout, where Revs ‘keeper Brad Knighton stopped both Sébastien Le Toux and C.J. Sapong to knock the Union out of the Cup.
Current form (MLS)
L-W-L-L-W-D
Head coach
Jim Curtin (25-28-19 all-time as Philadelphia Union head coach) has been head coach of the Union since June 10, 2014. Curtin first took the job on an interim basis until November 7, 2014, when he was confirmed as first team head coach. A player with Chicago Fire and Chivas USA from 2001 to 2009, Curtin joined the Union Academy in 2010 before moving on to the first team technical staff on November 29, 2012. An assistant coach for almost two years, Curtin replaced John Hackworth, whose bad start to the 2014 season cost him his job, at the helm.
Current top scorer
Chris Pontius (7)
Players to watch
1. C.J. Sapong (#17) – An injury slowed him down in June, but Sapong returned with a bang – a goal and an assist in his last two games.
2. Roland Alberg (#6) – On June 16, Vincent Nogueira left a hole in the lineup as he departed the club. Two days later, Alberg scored the first of six goals in as many games.
3. Keegan Rosenberry (#12) – No Union player has logged more minutes than him. A surefire candidate for MLS Rookie of the Year, Rosenberry takes on tough challenges week after week.
Team profile
Philadelphia’s defence was the highlight earlier this season, but its attack has improved to such a degree that it is now the most prolific in MLS – despite Vincent Nogueira’s departure. Tranquillo Barnetta has dropped back in midfield and is putting his passing range to the team’s service. The Union manages to diversify its play and can create danger from just about anywhere. On the flanks, Sébastien Le Toux – who may be called upon to replace the suspended Ilsinho – and Chris Pontius can provide width, but they are mostly efficient cutting inside. Impact fans will remember the goal conceded at Stade Saputo when Pontius crossed for Le Toux, who crossed back into the six-yard box for C.J. Sapong who tapped the ball home. Given the profile of Sapong and the habits of Pontius and Le Toux, this area will likely be under threat. The Union has also been doing well on set plays, especially in the last month-and-a-half. For its part, the Union defence, led by an ever-improving Richie Marquez at centre back and shielded by Brian Carroll in midfield, anticipates plays well and recovers its fair share of balls. While they don’t stick to the edge of their penalty area no matter what, the Union defenders are relatively cautious.
Tactical formation
Jim Curtin still has a soft spot for 4-2-3-1. Lineup v. New York (July 17): Blake; Rosenberry, Tribbett, Marquez, Fabinho; Barnetta, Carroll; Ilsinho, Alberg, Pontius; Sapong.
Against the Impact last season
On June 27, 2015, the Impact left Philadelphia with a 2-2 tie in a crazy game that saw both teams get a player sent off. The Impact played the Union again on August 22, for Didier Drogba’s debut, but Sébastien Le Toux scored 12 minutes from full time to clinch a 1-0 win.
Injuries (as of July 21)
M Maurice Edu (left tibia stress reaction – has trained with the team this week)
M Ilsinho (suspended)
Next games
Philadelphia Union v. Real Salt Lake (MLS, July 31)
D.C. United v. Philadelphia Union (MLS, August 6)
New England Revolution v. Philadelphia Union (MLS, August 13)
