For the third and last time this regular season, the Montreal Impact will take on the Philadelphia Union – it’s happening this Saturday at 7pm EDT at Talen Energy Stadium (TVA Sports & TSN Radio 690). Here are 10 things to know on the Union.
Context
The Eastern Conference’s fourth-placed team, Philadelphia seems destined for a first Audi MLS Cup Playoffs berth in five years. Jim Curtin’s men are part of a four-team group with at least six points on Orlando in sixth place. Since the Union last took on the Impact, the team has won three games, tied one and lost another three – the most recent was a 3-0 defeat by Chicago after two important wins in Columbus and at home to Sporting Kansas City.
Current form
D-W-L-W-W-L
Head coach
Jim Curtin (28-32-20 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 (10)
Players to watch
1. Alejandro Bedoya (#11) – The U.S. international’s intelligence has given a boost to the Union’s midfield after Vincent Nogueira’s departure for France.
2. 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.
3. Tranquillo Barnetta (#10) – The former Switzerland international is a handful on set plays and provides good forward passes when his teammates – or the opponents – give him a chance to.
Team profile
Philadelphia’s attack is amongst the most prolific in MLS – despite the departures of Vincent Nogueira and Sébastien Le Toux. The signing of Alejandro Bedoya has allowed Tranquillo Barnetta to move back up to his preferred position, behind the forward. The Union manages to diversify its play and can create danger from just about anywhere, but the team mostly tries to take the game to the opposition. On the flanks, Ilsinho, Fabian Herbers and Chris Pontius can provide width, but they are efficient cutting inside. Impact fans will remember the first goal conceded to the Union at Stade Saputo this season, 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, Ilsinho and Herbers, this area will likely be under threat. The Union has also been doing well on set plays, especially on corner kicks. For its part, the Union defence, led by an ever-improving Richie Marquez at centre back, anticipates plays well and recovers its fair share of balls. But it can get caught if the opponent speeds things up, all the more so if that team finds space between the lines to combine quickly.
Tactical formation
Jim Curtin mostly opts for 4-2-3-1. If it ain’t broke… Lineup v. Chicago (September 3): McCarthy; Rosenberry, Tribbett, Marquez, Fabinho; Barnetta, Creavalle; Herbers, Alberg, Pontius; Sapong.
Most recent games against the Impact
The less said about the 1-1 tie between these two teams at Stade Saputo, on May 14, the better: Didier Drogba scored a splendid goal off of a corner kick, and the Union played an otherwise fine defensive game. But then, on July 23, the Impact delighted its supporters: a Drogba hat-trick, a Nacho Piatti clinic, Matteo Mancosu’s first MLS goal, two Ambroise Oyongo assists and an incomparable display of leadership by captain Bernier in a 5-1 triumph over a Union team that had no solutions for the Bleu-blanc-noir’s play.
Injuries, absences and call-ups (as of September 9)
M Maurice Edu (left tibia – has returned to play with the reserve team)
Next games
Portland Timbers v. Philadelphia Union (MLS, September 17)
Toronto FC v. Philadelphia Union (MLS, September 24)
New York Red Bulls v. Philadelphia Union (MLS, October 1)
