The pressure will be on both teams to produce a result as the Philadelphia Union (4-1-1, 13 points, 2nd in the Eastern Conference) visit “Soccer City, U.S.A”, the home of the Portland Timbers (3-3-1, 10 points 6th in the Western Conference). Philadelphia’s recent run of form is in stark contrast to last year’s, having just entered the league as an expansion side. Now anchored by veteran goalkeeper Faryd Mondragon, the team has only allowed two goals in six matches thus far, producing four clean sheets for the defensive minded Union. Compared to the Timbers, whose attacking style has produced more goals in one weekend than Philadelphia has put in all season. The contrasting styles will make for a very interesting game.
Tonight’s game also marks the return to Portland of Danny Mwanga who was drafted #1 by the Union ahead of their expansion season. Mwanga played club soccer for the Westside Metros under the tutelage of former Timber John Bain before heading off to Oregon State University where he was named the Pac-10 Freshman of the Year in 2008 and the Pac-10 Player of the Year in 2009.
Portland will be looking to build off last week’s 1-0 win against Real Salt Lake and further build the reputation of Jeld-Wen Field. When asked about Portland tactically, the Union manager specifically mentioned defender Rodney Wallace, midfielders Kalif Alhassan and Jeremy Hall and forwards Kenny Cooper and Jorge Perlaza as players Philly need to contain if they wish to claim three points, “Perlaza and Cooper both have speed and Kenny has a great shot from distance,” said Peter Nowak. “Jack Jewsbury coming from second line, Rodney Wallace and Alhassan pushing up [on the left wing] – they all have speed. We need to go there and find what is really good distance for spacing…try to open them up.”
With Philadelphia’s tendency to pack players behind the ball the Timbers will be facing a team that behaves very similar to RSL. The run of play will be through the middle and scoring goals will be at a premium for this match. This means that the first goal will be important to draw out the Union into playing according to the style the Timber’s dictate, which isn’t lost on Coach John Spencer. “The first goal is going to be vital tomorrow,” Spencer said. “They just sit back and protect the lead. For us, we need to have a good start and try to get that first goal so that they have to come out and play a little.”
Three points hang in the balance for two teams with no shortage of talent. Final prediction, Portland 2-1 over the Union.
(image courtesy of Craig Mitchelldyer)
