The Union take on the Rochester Rhinos in the 4th Round of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup at PPL Park. The first kick is at 7:30pm. Here are ten more things you need to know to enjoy the match.
1. Union have the upper hand historically: The Rochester Rhinos are 10-15 all-time against MLS teams in the U.S. Open Cup. The Philadelphia Union are 3-0 against USL teams in the U.S. Open Cup, including a 3-0 win against Rochester in 2012.
2. A Champion is among us: The Rochester Rhinos are the only non-MLS to win the U.S. Open Cup since MLS began in 1996. The Rhinos won The Cup in 1999.
3. John McCarthy playing against his former club: While nothing is certain in the world of Union goalkeeping, it seems likely John McCarthy will start in goalie for the Union. Last year McCarthy was the USL PRO goalkeeper of the year for the Rochester Rhinos.
4. One team is undefeated: The Rhinos are undefeated in USL play in 2015, boasting a league best 8-0-4 record (W-L-D). They have only played 4 home games so far this year.
5. Stingy on D part 1: The Rhinos play unbelievable defense and have given up just four goals in their 12 games. They have eight clean sheets this season and haven't given up a goal in 270 minutes. But what is mind-boggling is that they have the fewest saves in the entire league, hauling in just 1.75 saves per game.
6. Stingy on D part 2: The Rhinos play great defense by limiting shots taken by their opponents. They have allowed just 5.4 shots taken per game this year, while shooting 11.5 shots per game themselves. It's a good formula. The Union rank 16th in MLS in shots taken per game with 10.9.
7. Le Cup: While MLS coached often tinker with lineups and play reserves in the U.S. Open Cup, it's a good bet that Sebastian Le Toux plays. He is the all-time leading goal scorer in the modern era of the U.S. Open Cup with 14 goals (1995-present).
8. Beauty and the Beast: The Rhinos are 2nd in the USL with 13.2 fouls per game. The Union are last in MLS with 10.9 fouls per game.
9. Man to watch: Perhaps the Rhinos most dangerous scorer is Steevan Dos Santos. He's an efficient Cape Verdean striker who has four goals this year from just 16 shots. He spent most of the last three seasons in the top division in Norway and scored 21 goals in 49 contests.
10. How to watch: The game will be streamed on PhiladelphiaUnion.com