On Saturday, the Philadelphia Union travel to the Nation's Capitol to face last place DC United in what could be a deciding factor to determine a spot in the MLS post season.
The Union are currently sitting in fifth place in the Eastern Conference, so anything less than three points should be unacceptable for Manager John Hackworth and crew. And with three games remaining in the regular season, expect a few more drama filled weeks. The Union should have some momentum however. Coming off a win against Toronto FC, thanks to a late free kick goal from Kleberson in extra time last Saturday. A much needed spark for a team that needs to come out early against a DC side that would probably want to end the season now.
Of course, we must mention that DC United did win the US Open Cup this year against Real Salt Lake, and then immediately returned to their woeful ways and dropping a 3-0 result at the hands of the Chigaco Fire. The Question will be if Manager Ben Olsen brings out his usual starting eleven to spoil any shot at the playoffs for the Union, or will he resort to the bench and the reserve players to give them some minutes.
The Union will however, have a line up change of their own, most notably the absence of Fabinho at left back, who will be serving a red card suspension from being sent off late in the Toronto match last Saturday.
Once again as mentioned before, this is another must win. The Union are playing a team that has nothing to lose. Which means, this could in fact be a pretty exciting game to watch. The heated rivalry between both sides always makes for great soccer, so i will expect a very physical game here. DC has a prime opportunity to spoil it for the Union faithful who will be making the trek to RFK, so the Union need to do all they can to avoid a shut down of their own in the nation's capitol (see what i did there?) Also the I-95 Cup is at stake as well. The Union will need to win by three or more goals to snag it. Can they do it? We'll see.
Be sure to check back for the match thread during the game and give us your take.