Brotherly Game - Match 12: Philadelphia Union at Orlando City SCThe beautiful game with a Philadelphia attitudehttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/48005/brotherlygame-fave.png2016-06-15T10:00:03-04:00http://www.brotherlygame.com/rss/stream/115259212016-06-15T10:00:03-04:002016-06-15T10:00:03-04:00Player rating results: Orlando, Colorado and Crew
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<figcaption>Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Let's take a break from all the Copa and Euro excitement and get back to the Philadelphia Union, reviewing their last three matches. </p> <p>The games came fast and furious before the league's <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/copa-america" class="sbn-auto-link">Copa America</a> break, and the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.brotherlygame.com/">Philadelphia Union</a> handled the stretch without defeat. A wild 2-2 draw down against <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.themaneland.com/">Orlando City</a>, followed up with a dramatic finish with the best team in the league the <a href="https://www.burgundywave.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Colorado Rapids</a>, and then a fun 3-2 win at home against the crumbling <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.massivereport.com/">Columbus Crew SC</a>. Let's take a look at the heroes and zeroes from those games. Here are the results from the Orlando draw with <a target="_blank" href="http://www.phillysoccerpage.net/2016/05/26/player-ratings-analysis-orlando-city-2-2-philadelphia-union/">PSP</a>, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.whoscored.com/Matches/1043787/LiveStatistics/USA-Major-League-Soccer-2016-Orlando-City-Philadelphia-Union">Whoscored</a> and <a target="_blank" href="http://www.phillyvoice.com/goals-galore-side-incompetence-player-grades-and-analysis-union-2-orlando-2/">PhillyVoice</a> alongside the fans vote.</p>
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<p><span>Tranquillo Barnetta</span> snagged top honors from the fans for his opening goal but <span>Ken Tribbett</span>, who came off the bench for the injured <span>Joshua Yaro</span> and sprung an assist and equalizing goal on Orlando won the compiled ranking. It's a close call for sure. Fabinho's performance was universally panned, even by the robots at Whoscored who have a love affair with his defensive stats. That's the third time that Fabinho was rated least valuable player on the field.</p>
<p>On to the defensive battle in Colorado, where <span>Brian Carroll</span>'s heroics helped the Union earn a big point against the best in the West. That left footed strike combined with another fine defensive effort just in front of the back line earned Carroll universal support as MVP. Here are the results:</p>
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<p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.whoscored.com/Matches/1043799/LiveStatistics/USA-Major-League-Soccer-2016-Colorado-Rapids-Philadelphia-Union">According to Whoscored</a> Carroll also tagged on eight tackles, two interceptions a clearance and a blocked shot. Clearly deserving of the praise received. Sebastian Le Toux and <span>Chris Pontius</span> were rated the lowest as the pair failed to contribute any meaningful attack to the effort. Overall, <span>CJ Sapong</span> rated 10th among the starters, and it's worth noting that his once consistent perch at the top of the fan voting has slipped. He was ranked 7th and 8th by the fans for these road games, and he slips again in the next match against Columbus as you can see below.</p>
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<p>Perhaps it's just a dry run for Sapong but in a game where the Union scored 3 times, Sapong registered just one shot (off target) and a mere 21 touches.</p>
<p>Barnetta was voted top player by the fans against Columbus, but it was Chris Pontius who received the overall nod for his opening strike and assist on the Nogueira goal. It's worth noting that it's the 4th time in 14 matches that Pontius has been the overall best player, but he's never been voted best player by the fans. Brian Carroll received a second consecutive best player selection <a target="_blank" href="http://www.phillysoccerpage.net/2016/06/02/player-ratings-analysis-union-3-2-columbus-crew/">from PSP</a>. It's worth a look because Carroll completed 95.7% of his 47 passes, including 7 for 7 of passes more than 25 yards. That's an exceptional performance.</p>
<p><span>Matt Jones</span>' first start for the Union could have been better, as he edged out Fabinho for least valuable player. He certainly looked shaky but overall I think showed good promise.</p>
<p>Five points was a solid result for the first place Union who open their <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/us-open-tennis" class="sbn-auto-link">US Open</a> Cup account on Wednesday night and then travel to Yankee Stadium to take on 4th place <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.hudsonriverblue.com/">New York City FC</a> on Saturday. We'll send out the fan vote right after each match.</p>
https://www.brotherlygame.com/2016/6/15/11899792/player-rating-results-orlando-city-colorado-rapids-columbus-crew-scunionoscopy2016-05-27T15:00:03-04:002016-05-27T15:00:03-04:00Good, Bad, and Ugly: D.C. United and Orlando City
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<figcaption>Trey Madara / Brotherly Game</figcaption>
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<p>Double stuffed GBU again, because we love you.</p> <p>Top of the East. That is all.</p>
<p><b>The Good</b>: Table It<br>It's almost June, and here we are. Top of the East and with a game in hand on <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.hudsonriverblue.com/">New York City FC</a> and the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.onceametro.com/">New York Red Bulls</a>. I was the super optimistic guy about the team at the beginning of the season, but it's still weird that the league is acknowledging that we are a threat. NYCFC are streaky as off brand Windex and Red Bull haven't shown a ton despite shellacking City in Brooklyn. All this to say we are in deeply uncharted territory, and it feels great. The defenders are scoring, <span>CJ Sapong</span> continues to be dangerous, and <span>Andre Blake</span> is Andre Blake, which means he's the best goalie in the United States.</p>
<p><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.blackandredunited.com/">D.C. United</a> played a pretty meh game, and the only real saving grace was a beautiful series of play in the 91st minute. Josh Yaro played an underrated ball into the path of <span>Sebastien Le Toux</span>, and his cross was turned in by <span>Richie Marquez</span> for his first goal for the Blue and Gold.</p>
<p><b>The Bad</b>: Josh, his name is Josh.<br><span>Josh Yaro</span> (unjustly referred to as Justin) injured himself after 45 minutes in the draw to Orlando. This is not good news, but what helps is that <span>Ken Tribbett</span> has not been anything to scoff at this year either. He even scored on a pretty decent play, having the awareness to slot home the game-tying goal. We heard that Yaro's injury doesn't appear all that serious, and he'll be reevaluated once the team returns to Philadelphia. The great thing here is that just like Tribbett before him, Yaro might see a game in Bethlehem just to make sure he's fully match fit - which paid dividends for Tribbett in his return to the first team.</p>
<p><b>The Ugly:</b> The refereeing will continue until morale improves<br>You know, I've done this like twice now. I really hate this, it's almost like 'hey guys, couldn't think of anything better so I'm gonna slag off on the refs again'. That being said I'm not even the most upset about either of the two goals OCFC scored. There was a clear as day penalty against <span>Warren Creavalle</span> (who had a great game) that Sorin Stoica played advantage on but really shouldn't have. Sure Larin was nowhere near the ball on his goal/barge into Andre Blake, and I won't even try and argue if the second goal crossed the line or not because all the camera angles are horrible and really why would it have even mattered if the Union would've had three goals anyway? The current higher ups at PRO are usually painted as figures who do the best they can with the hand they were dealt, but this is getting a bit ridiculous when a big matchup is under this much scrutiny from fans on both sides of the game.</p>
https://www.brotherlygame.com/2016/5/27/11796244/philadelphia-union-d-c-united-and-orlando-city-recapEvan Villella2016-05-26T11:00:08-04:002016-05-26T11:00:08-04:00PCK: The ref joins in the rhymes.
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<figcaption>Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Poetry Corner Kicks: the ref has his say.</p> <p>In the end, I’ll take a road point in Orlando. It would have been nice to take all three points from a conference opponent, but after the reffing fiasco on display in Orlando, the <a href="https://www.brotherlygame.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Philadelphia Union</a> can just be thankful they didn’t lose. Let’s see from the referee’s standpoint, how this game played out…<br><br>I’m a ref in MLS<br>I do the best I can<br>But when in doubt I make it up<br>That is my game plan<br><br>I called a PK for Kaka<br>You see, it’s policy<br>To make sure all the high-paid stars<br>Can get their goals for free<br><br>Alas their goalie <span>Andre Blake</span><br>Decided he was good<br>And saved the PK from Kaka<br>You kinda knew he would<br><br>But then in fifty-two there was<br>A goal from Philly’s mid<br>Tranqy scored a one-timer<br>Orlando’s goalie hid<br><br>Then I saw in sixty-one<br>A foul there in the box<br>Warren taken down by Dave<br>But I’m a sneaky fox<br><br>I didn’t blow the whistle<br>And pretended not to see<br>The obviousness of the foul<br>It looked okay to me!<br><br>When Cyle Larin crashed into<br>Their Blake and made him fall<br>I let the goal that followed stand<br>‘Cause that’s how I make calls<br><br>Immediately after that<br>Orlando scored for two<br>We’re not sure if it crossed the line<br>But I don’t care, do you?<br><br>Tribbett then would tie the game<br>A swift toe-poke to score<br>But fifteen minutes still remained<br>And both teams wanted more<br><br>I gave some cards of yellow hue<br>And others shaded red<br>But willy-nilly are my calls<br>The power’s in my head!<br><br>The final score was two to two<br>And both teams felt hard-done<br>But I am king of my domain<br>And I controlled this one!</p>
https://www.brotherlygame.com/2016/5/26/11785082/philadelphia-union-2-orlando-city-sc-2-poetry-corner-kicksstocktonryan2016-05-25T23:31:05-04:002016-05-25T23:31:05-04:00RECAP: Orlando 2-2 Union
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<figcaption>Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>A chaotic 4-goal second half ended with the Union walking away from Camping World Stadium and memories of a wild night</p> <p>A relatively tame first half gave way to a wild and crazy second half that ended in the Union walking out of Orlando with a single point courtesy of their 2-2 draw Wednesday night at Camping World Stadium.</p>
<p>Despite there not being any first half goals, the strength of the Union backline really showed through. <span>Richie Marquez's</span> slide-tackling was on-point as usual, <span>Keegan Rosenberry</span> completley shut down Kaka, and Josh Yaro continues to exhibit defensive growth to go along with his already impressive range.</p>
<p>At the 36th minute of the first half, fans were shown a sign of things to come for the second half. With Kaka running into the box, Andre Blake ran out to greet and with some light contact and inadvertently tripped him up. While contact was certainly made inside the box, Kaka sure found a way to make a meal of it in front of referee Sorin Stoica who blew the whistle for the penalty. But in a classic case of "ball don't lie," Kaka put forth one of his weaker career penalty efforts which Blake had no problem parrying aside for a corner kick.</p>
<p>Things took a turn for the worse as the match entered first half stoppage time. Josh Yaro went down with what appeared to be a dislocated shoulder. While there are hopes that the injury is not serious as Yaro has been improving well, his substitution paved the way for the <a href="https://www.brotherlygame.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Union's</a> offensive hero of the match, Ken Tribbett, to enter.*</p>
<p><i>*This is a sentence I always just assumed I'd never type.</i></p>
<p>The second half began with the match still scoreless, but the Union were quick to change that. <span>Ken Tribbett's</span> free kick found the head of <span>Chris Pontius</span> who directed the ball to an unmarked Tranquillo Barnetta. Barnetta used Orlando's defensive gaffe to his advantage as he slammed the ball home past Orlando keeper <span>Joe Bendik</span> to put the Union up 1-0 with a beautiful highlight reel goal. And astonishingly, a free kick to set up a goal would not be Tribbett's biggest offensive contribution of the evening.</p>
<p>About five minutes later the Union had a golden opportunity to go on top 2-0. <span>Sebastien Le Toux</span> slipped C.J. Sapong through the central defenders and seemed like he would have a golden opportunity to have a go at Bendik. However, <span>Tommy Redding</span> did well to recover and affect Sapong just enough that he gave Bendik an opportunity to make a quality save, and unfortunately for the Union, Bendik obliged.</p>
<p>The Union seemed to have the better control of play throughout the second half, but <a href="https://www.themaneland.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Orlando City</a> nevertheless managed to score quite a fluke goal. A long ball from Orlando seemed harmless enough, but with Blake running to catch it and with <span>Cyle Larin</span>, Richie Marquez, and Fabinho running to track it down, a massive collision with Blake occurred. Larin seemed to get the bulk of Blake, but Marquez and Fabinho were involved as well. With Blake down, the ball went right to 2nd half substitute <span>Kevin Molino</span> who had no problem scoring in a wide open net to even the ledger at 1.</p>
<p>If you thought it would be impossible for Orlando to score a weirder goal than that on the night, think again. A simple Kaka cross found Larin in the box near goal. Larin chested it toward the net only to be denied by Blake. Blake tried to parry it away and sensing danger, Fabinho attempted to clear it away from goal and appeared to have succeeded but all of a sudden Stoica signaled goal for Orlando City. For a goal to count in MLS, all of the ball must cross all of the line, and based off the admittedly not great camera angles provided by CSN, it certainly appeared as if barely even a fraction of the ball had crossed even part of the line. Without goal-line technology it will never be known for certain whether or not the goal should have counted, but all evidence seemed to indicate that Orlando stole a goal here from the Union. Ironic, considering the <a target="_blank" href="http://www.brotherlygame.com/2016/4/13/11423092/tranquillo-barnettas-free-kick-controversy">uproar that occurred</a> following the Union's game-winning goal the last time these two teams met.</p>
<p>With the game in the 75th minute, the Union found a way to equalize, getting a goal from a most unlikely hero. Barnetta's short corner kick to Le Toux found its way back to Barnetta who cleverly sent the ball low into the box at an angle challenging to Bendik. Bendik attempted to deflect it away from danger, but he only accomplished a forceful roll of the ball right at the foot of Tribbett. Despite never being known for any offensive prowess, Tribbett was faced with an open net and Tribbett did not miss, giving the Union a deserved equalizer on the evening's final goal.</p>
<p>The Union will probably be wishing for better from this match given the method in which Orlando scored both of their goals, however the Union did well to battle back and equalize in the face of adversity. Up next, things will get much more difficult for the Union as they will be given little rest before making a trip to Colorado to take on the first place Rapids this Saturday. Given that the Rapids currently lead MLS in points per game, this should provide a nice test for the Union in <span>Andre Blake's</span> last match before he joins his fellow Jamaicans in preparation for the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/copa-america" class="sbn-auto-link">Copa America</a> Centenario.</p>
https://www.brotherlygame.com/2016/5/25/11779014/orlando-city-philadelphia-union-recap-box-score-tranquilo-barnetta-ken-tribbett-goalJustin F.2016-05-25T22:52:57-04:002016-05-25T22:52:57-04:00Should either of Orlando's goals have counted?
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<figcaption>Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Poor refereeing? Totally legal goals? Or somewhere in between?</p> <p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.brotherlygame.com/">Philadelphia Union</a> just wrapped up a 2-2 draw with <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.themaneland.com/">Orlando City</a> SC after a thrilling second half, but multiple controversies will certainly dominate discussion for the next few days. After Kaka scuffed a (deserved) penalty in the first half, Orlando managed to find the scoresheet twice thanks, in part, to some questionable refereeing. Let's take a look at the goals in question.</p>
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<p>There's nothing wrong with Kevin Molino's easy finish, but Cyle Larin's involvement in the build-up could use a second look. The target forward looks to be going for the ball, but he catches a whole lot of <span>Andre Blake</span> in the process. Goalkeepers almost always earn the call in that situation, but referee Sorin Stoica didn't consider Molino's contact reckless or careless. It should be noted that Fabinho and <span>Richie Marquez</span> also collided with Blake, which may have influenced Stoica's decision to allow play to continue.</p>
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<p>Orlando's second goal starts with a push from Kaka, but it's not one that Stoica ruled improper. With Rosenberry still reeling from the encounter, Kaka moves past him and sends a cross into Larin. His close-range, chested effort was initially saved by Blake, but the 'keeper was unable to cleanly gather it. With the ball bouncing along the goal line, Fabinho acted quickly to thump the ball out of danger. His attempted clearance was deemed futile; however, as the home side was awarded the goal. There is certainly doubt--at least among Union supporters--that the ball was fully over the line, and the broadcast's multiple indecisive replays did nothing to allay that uncertainty. Without a conclusive camera angle, we'll be left debating ad infinitum.</p>
<p>So what do you think? Take a vote in our poll and make sure to let it all out in the comment section!</p>
https://www.brotherlygame.com/2016/5/25/11780926/should-either-of-orlando-city-sc-goals-have-countedJohn Rossi2016-05-25T19:00:02-04:002016-05-25T19:00:02-04:00GAME THREAD: Orlando vs. Union
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<figcaption>Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>The Union begin a run of three games in eight days with a road trip to Orlando and one of just two MLS Stadiums that are going to be used in the Copa America Centenario.</p> <table cellspacing="5" cellpadding="5" border="1" align="center">
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<th bgcolor="silver" align="center" colspan="3">UNION GAME #12</th>
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<th width="20" align="center">VS</th>
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<td bgcolor="silver" align="center" colspan="3"><b>Camping World Stadium, Orlando, FL</b></td>
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<td align="center" colspan="3"><b>Wednesday, May 25, 2016</b></td>
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<td align="center" colspan="3"><b>7:30 PM ET</b></td>
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<td align="center" colspan="3"><b>CSN - JP Dellacamera and Peter Pappas</b></td>
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<b>Online Streaming: </b><a href="http://live.mlssoccer.com/mlsmdl/" target="_blank">MLS LIVE</a>
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<td align="center" colspan="3"><a href="http://www.brotherlygame.com/2016/5/24/11745994/philadelphia-union-at-orlando-city-sc-match-preview/in/11525921" target="_blank">TBG Game Preview</a></td>
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<b>Know Thy Enemy: </b><a href="http://www.themaneland.com/" target="_blank">The Mane Land</a>
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<th bgcolor="silver" align="center" colspan="3">Starting XI</th>
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<td width="240" align="right">Cyle Larin</td>
<th width="20" align="center">Forward</th>
<td width="240">C.J. Sapong</td>
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<td width="240" align="right">
<p>Carlos Rivas, Kaká, Adrian Winter</p>
<p>Servando Carrasco, Cristian Higuita</p>
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<th width="20" align="center">Midfield</th>
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<p>Chris Pontius, Tranquillo Barnetta, Sebastien Le Toux</p>
<p>Warren Creavalle, Brian Carroll</p>
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<td width="240" align="right">Brek Shea, David Mateos, Tommy Redding, Kevin Alston</td>
<th width="20" align="center">Defense</th>
<td width="240">Fabinho, Richie Marquez, Josh Yaro, Keegan Rosenberry</td>
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<td width="240" align="right">Joe Bendik</td>
<th width="20" align="center">Goalkeeper</th>
<td width="240">Andre Blake</td>
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<td width="240" align="right">Earl Edwards, Jr, Luke Boden, Harrison Heath, Kevin Molino, Antonio Nocerino, Hadji Barry, Júlio Baptista</td>
<th width="20" align="center">Bench</th>
<td width="240">Matt Jones, Ray Gaddis, Ken Tribbett, Wálter Restrepo, Roland Alberg, Leo Fernandes, Fabian Herbers</td>
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<th bgcolor="silver" align="center" colspan="3">Numbers of Note</th>
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<td align="center" colspan="3">43 - Saves by Joe Bendik, 4th most in MLS</td>
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<td align="center" colspan="3">4 - Yellow cards shown to Fabinho, tied for 3rd most in MLS</td>
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<td align="center" colspan="3">1.64 - Philadelphia Union's points per game, most in Eastern Conference by .33 PPG</td>
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<th bgcolor="silver" align="center" colspan="3">Game Officials</th>
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<td align="center" colspan="3">Referee: Sorin Stoica</td>
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<td align="center" colspan="3">Assistant: Chris Strickland</td>
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<td align="center" colspan="3">Assistant: Logan Brown</td>
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<td align="center" colspan="3">Fourth: Ted Unkel</td>
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https://www.brotherlygame.com/2016/5/25/11775956/orlando-city-phiadelphia-union-how-to-watch-tv-live-streamingJustin F.2016-05-24T10:00:03-04:002016-05-24T10:00:03-04:00Philadelphia Union at Orlando City: Match preview
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<figcaption>Derik Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Tranquillo Barnetta and the Philadelphia Union we're able to stun a short-handed Orlando City SC side the last time these two teams met. The Union head to Central Florida and will look to extend their unbeaten run to six games.</p> <p><b>Game:</b> <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.brotherlygame.com/">Philadelphia Union</a> at <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.themaneland.com/">Orlando City</a> SC</p>
<p><b>Date:</b> Wednesday, May 25th</p>
<p><b>Time:</b> 7:30 PM EST</p>
<p><b>Venue:</b> Orlando Citrus Bowl Stadium (Orlando, FL)</p>
<p><b>Referees: </b>TBA</p>
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<p><b>Television</b>: Comcast SportsNet</p>
<p><b>Streaming:</b> MLS Live (no blackout)</p>
<p><b>All-time record:</b> The Union have played Orlando City three times, winning two and drawing one</p>
<p><b>What Orlando City will look like:</b> Orlando will typically line up in a 4-3-3/4-2-3-1 with Kaka and <span>Cyle Larin</span> as their main attacking threats. The Union were fortunate that Larin was absent in the two teams' last meeting, but the Canadian striker should be good to go this week and is looking just as dangerous as last year. In defense, Orlando will likely deploy <span>Seb Hines</span> and <span>David Mateos</span> as their center backs, but with Hines being listed on Orlando's injury report <span>Tommy Redding</span> will likely start in his place. The Union's defense has been solid this year, but Orlando's attacking threats may give them a hard time.</p>
<p><b>What the Union will look like:</b> The Union were able to avoid four consecutive draws with a last-minute goal against DC United. The Union have been very consistent with their line up, but with three games coming up over the course of eight days <span>Jim Curtin</span> will need to rotate players in and out to avoid injuries and fatigue. For this game though, the usual line-up is likely, but watch for some early substitutions as the Union have a trip to Colorado ahead of them just a few days after the Orlando match.</p>
<p><b>What to expect:</b> When these two teams met last month, Orlando was able to take advantage of the inexperience in the Union's defense with their lone goal. Fortunately, <span>Tranquillo Barnetta</span> was there to save the game for the Union, but it would be foolish to underestimate the experienced attacking players that Orlando City has. With two rookies likely to start for the Union, Orlando will be looking to pull them out of position and get Larin in on goal. The Union will also be looking to take advantage of an Orlando back line missing one of their better defenders in Seb Hines.</p>
https://www.brotherlygame.com/2016/5/24/11745994/philadelphia-union-at-orlando-city-sc-match-previewMatt Albaugh2016-05-23T16:00:02-04:002016-05-23T16:00:02-04:00Three questions with Michael Citro of The Mane Land
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<figcaption>U MAD BRO? | Trey Madara / Brotherly Game</figcaption>
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<p>We spoke with Michael Citro from The Mane Land, SB Nation's Orlando City SC blog, about what to expect from the Lions in Wednesday's match against the Philadelphia Union.</p> <p><strong>Brotherly Game) The last time Orlando City played Philadelphia, they were without left back Brek Shea. What does it mean to OCSC to have him back in the lineup?</strong></p>
<p><strong>The Mane Land)</strong> Well, it depends who you ask, I suppose. Some see him as a terrible left back who should be playing left wing. Some see him as a guy still learning a new position and showing signs of improvement but still lacks consistency. But whatever you consider him, Orlando City has been a better team with Brek Shea than without him over its first season and a third in MLS. That has been easily seen in the team's record when he is in or out of the lineup.</p>
<p>Shea is better when he's on the same page as whoever is playing the left side of Orlando's attacking midfield. He works well with Adrian Winter or Carlos Rivas but has not been in sync with Antonio Nocerino, which is not a surprise given that they haven't been on the same team very long and Nocerino isn't an attacking player in the traditional sense. The best defense Shea plays is when he's forcing whoever is on the opponent's right side to defend rather than attack.</p>
<p>Orlando's attack is more potent when Shea is in the lineup but if the Lions are on their back foot, he can be a liability. I'd say he adds more good than bad when he's on the pitch.</p>
<p><strong>tBG) Prior to the 2-1 win over the Montreal Impact, Orlando was winless in six. What was the cause of that, and what changed against Montreal?</strong></p>
<p><strong>TML)</strong> There are multiple answers to that question. Orlando lost out on opportunities to win due to horrific officiating decisions. Draws could have been wins and losses could have been draws. Philadelphia was the beneficiary of one such call -- or rather the lack of a call.In some cases, the Lions simply played like a dumpster fire in the middle of a tire fire. Examples include the loss at New York Red Bulls and the loss at Sporting Kansas City. Orlando allowed 26 shots at New York and 34 at SKC. And in some games (at New England) they simply dug a hole and had to rescue a point at the end.</p>
<p>Against Montreal it didn't seem that anything had changed...and then it did. The Lions switched on and started playing their game, moving the ball quickly and decisively and creating scoring chances. They only converted two but luckily that's all they needed. They should have scored more goals. Adrian Heath changed the lineup, sitting Kevin Molino and Antonio Nocerino. Kaká played like the MLS All-Star he is, Cyle Larin found his finishing touch, and Cristian Higuita and Servando Carrasco protected the back line from being put under too much pressure. It worked the way it's supposed to work. That's not always the case with this team, but the Lions have shown they can beat any team in the league when they've got their game working properly.</p>
<p><strong>tBG) Orlando gave up a lot for Antonio Nocerino, only to have him be rather underwhelming thus far. What will he need to do to make it all worth it to the club?</strong></p>
<p><strong>TML)</strong> Nocerino has become the popular whipping boy in Orlando and in truth he doesn't seem to fit the way this team likes to play. Heath essentially changed his preferred formation for him, moving from a 4-2-3-1 to a 4-3-2-1. When that wasn't working, he went to a 4-3-3 or back to his old 4-2-3-1 and tried to shoehorn the Italian into the attacking midfield, but he's not a left wing.</p>
<p>Antonio is hardly the first European (or African, or South American, etc.) to come to MLS and have trouble adjusting. His situation was exacerbated by missing preseason camp and from not having been a regular at AC Milan for awhile. He hadn't played a competitive match since August. Steven Gerrard, who is a native English speaker, is only now adjusting to life in Major League Soccer. Has Portland's Lucas Melano adjusted yet? This move will be worthwhile if Nocerino can find his game in MLS. And if he doesn't, it will be one of those moves that sounded good but didn't quite work out.</p>
<p><strong>Injuries/suspensions/other news of note:</strong> DM Darwin Ceren has a high ankle sprain and will be out. D Rafael Ramos and D Seb Hines left Saturday's game with injuries. Their status is unknown but I wouldn't expect them to play Wednesday.</p>
<p><strong>Predicted lineup:</strong> I would expect some changes from the weekend, with Molino probably returning to replace Adrian Winter as the starter at RAM. The two defenders will obviously require replacements. I think we'll see something like this: Joe Bendik; Brek Shea, Tommy Redding, David Mateos, Kevin Alston; Cristian Higuita, Servando Carrasco; Carlos Rivas, Kaká, Kevin Molino; Cyle Larin.</p>
<p>There's a chance Nocerino might figure in the lineup somewhere -- probably for Rivas or Carrasco, or maybe both if the team comes out in a 4-3-2-1 -- or Winter could replace Rivas.</p>
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<p><a href="http://www.themaneland.com/2016/5/23/11744736/intelligence-report-orlando-city-vs-philadelphia-union-round-2"><i>For our three questions with </i>The Mane Land<i>, follow this link.</i></a></p>
https://www.brotherlygame.com/2016/5/23/11743740/orland-city-philadelphia-union-three-questions-the-mane-landEugene Rupinski