Brotherly Game - Match 17: Philadelphia Union vs. Vancouver WhitecapsThe beautiful game with a Philadelphia attitudehttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/48005/brotherlygame-fave.png2016-06-28T09:00:03-04:00http://www.brotherlygame.com/rss/stream/118193452016-06-28T09:00:03-04:002016-06-28T09:00:03-04:00PCK: Too little, too late.
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<figcaption>Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Poetry Corner Kicks is worried about the defense</p> <p>Another game, another three goals surrendered. I almost don’t mind losing games if we make a good showing. Alas, the <a href="https://www.brotherlygame.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Philadelphia Union</a> defense is looking very porous and NYCFC, Fire, and <a href="https://www.eightysixforever.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Vancouver Whitecaps</a> have all teed off on us. On the other hand, the Union have scored eight goals in the last three games. Usually that would be good for more than three out of nine available points. But when you give up nine in that same stretch, it spoils the offensive effort. So how’d it all go down?<br><br>The U at home<br>Their winning zone<br>Alas ‘twas not today<br>For though they fought<br>It was for naught<br>Their defense fell away<br>Roland scored<br>The team was floored<br>He now has five in three<br>But then the Caps<br>Would plug their gaps<br>And hit a scoring spree<br>First was Andy<br>Taking candy<br>From Blake’s "save" of corner<br>Then was ‘Kuta<br>A sharpshoota<br>Home fans changed to mourners<br>Down by one<br>When half was done<br>The Union still had life<br>The game-time stats<br>Wore Philly hats<br>But could not end the strife<br>Near the end<br>The caps would send<br>Their final killer blow<br>Christian’s goal<br>Took its toll<br>The U had lost the show<br>To save some face<br>And shrink disgrace<br>We scored in stoppage time<br>Mister P.<br>Said "look at me"<br>His header was sublime<br>But far too late<br>To change their fate<br>Was Chris’s final tally<br>They lost the game<br>To bring them shame<br>The Union couldn’t rally<br>Philly’s D<br>Has let in three<br>For three games in a row<br>Let’s hope they can<br>Quick find a plan<br>Against the Dynamo</p>
https://www.brotherlygame.com/2016/6/28/12039784/poetry-corner-kicks-union-2-whitecaps-3stocktonryan2016-06-27T10:00:02-04:002016-06-27T10:00:02-04:00Game changers: Capped
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<figcaption>Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>While the Philadelphia Union’s loss to the Vancouver Whitecaps was disappointing, it did offer some hope going forward.</p> <p id="AFJn7S"><strong>1.) Squad goals</strong> - The first of the Philadelphia Union’s goals was as good a team goal as you’ll see.</p>
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<p>Started by a poor pass by the Whitecaps, five Union players touch the ball on this one. The ball skills of Tranquillo Barnetta and Ilsinho make this happen, with Barnetta able to split the pressure of Matias Laba and Pedro Morales before passing it over to Ilsinho, whose pullback on Laba would not look out of place on an And1 soccer mixtape (those don’t exist, but you wish they did). The quick one-touch passing between Ilsinho, Roland Alberg, and Tranquillo Barnetta enabled Fabian Herbers to get open. When Herbers got the ball, he let one rip that would have been a candidate for Goal of the Month had it not hit off of the crossbar. The ball then hit off of Sebastien Le Toux right to Alberg, who buried it past David Ousted. The Vancouver Whitecaps were looking for a handball - and rightfully so - but to no avail.</p>
<p id="ADcSVC">Watch the video again - Alberg never stops running toward goal. Even when Herbers shoots, he’s still moving toward the goal in order to snag any rebound that may come off. This is one of those goals that coaches love - when everything goes to plan because everyone did their job and kept working to make something happen.</p>
<p id="rByX3n"><strong>2.) Set piece disaster</strong> - It wasn’t long before the Vancouver Whitecaps got the equalizer. The Union conceded a corner kick and while it was something that Andre Blake would usually snatch out of mid-air, he just missed it.</p>
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<p>Unfortunately for the Union, the usually reliable Richie Marquez didn’t mark ex-Union player Andrew Jacobson, whose header drew Vancouver level.</p>
<p id="ku9gO0"><strong>3.) Man oh Manneh</strong> - This one started off innocuously enough - the Union had been moving the ball well all game, however on this one Tim Parker’s step on Tranquillo Barnetta allowed Andrew Jacobson to get the ball up the field for the Whitecaps.</p>
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<p>When Kekuta Manneh got the ball, he was in a footrace with Joshua Yaro. Now Yaro is one of the few guys who can keep up with Manneh, however watch Yaro at the 14 second mark of the clip. He thinks about challenging Manneh, and slightly turns his hips. This was the opening Manneh needed to take off past Yaro, and as soon as he got separation, it was over. He was able to cut back inside, then cut again to avoid Richie Marquez and fire off a shot that hit off of the post and in.</p>
<p id="F5ACwZ"><strong>4.) Sunk by a sub?</strong> - Vancouver’s third goal came shortly after the Union made their last sub, taking off Fabinho for Leo Fernandes. It was a gamble for sure, going with three in the back to try and allow the Union to get numbers forward. Unfortunately for the Union, it backfired.</p>
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<p>This is the result of really good passing and ball movement by Vancouver, however it wasn’t helped by the fact that only Brian Carroll and Leo Fernandes tracked back to help defend. That being said, Jim Curtin absolutely made the right decision in my mind to bring on an offensive player for a defensive one that late in the match. There’s really no difference between losing 2-1 or 3-1.</p>
<p id="VHeNNk"><strong>5.) Too little, too late</strong> - In stoppage time, the Union were in full jailbreak mode and still trying to get a goal. In the 94th minute, Chris Pontius finally broke through.</p>
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<p>It was Leo Fernandes’s header that made the goal, but Pontius got the credit for finishing it off. It was good to see the Union continuing to fight, even while down two with mere seconds left. The loss was disappointing, however the Union lost to a very good Vancouver team and there are plenty of lessons that can be learned.</p>
https://www.brotherlygame.com/2016/6/27/12028826/mls-match-recap-philadelphia-union-vancouver-whitecapsEugene Rupinski2016-06-25T22:50:33-04:002016-06-25T22:50:33-04:00Snapped: Whitecaps end Union's home undefeated streak
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<figcaption>Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>The Union's 10-game home unbeaten streak has come to an end after their 3-2 loss to Vancouver.</p> <p>288 days.</p>
<p>That's how long the <a href="https://www.brotherlygame.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Philadelphia Union</a> went without losing at home before the <a href="https://www.eightysixforever.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Vancouver Whitecaps</a> ended that streak on Saturday night. While the Union scored twice, another poor defensive performance from the Union spelled their downfall, as the team allowed three goals for the third-straight game.</p>
<p><span>Roland Alberg</span> opened up the scoring in the 14th minute, finishing off another rebound from Fabian Herbers. After a beautiful combination from his attacking midfielders, the German hit a beauty that ricocheted off the corner of the woodwork. The ball found its way to Alberg, who cleaned up for his seventh goal in four matches. With five goals in MLS play, he is now one back of Chris Pontius, the team's leading scorer.</p>
<p><span>Andrew Jacobson</span> evened up the score off a corner kick five minutes later. The Union legend capitalized on a mistake from <span>Andre Blake</span>, who couldn't cleanly gather Vancouver's initial service.</p>
<p><span>Kekuta Manneh</span> added a second just before halftime. With <span>Tranquillo Barnetta</span> caught upfield, the winger tore down the field with little resistance. He easily got past Josh Yaro and <span>Richie Marquez</span> before sliding one off the post and in from the edge of the box.</p>
<p>With the Whitecaps ahead as the game entered its final ten minutes, <span>Jim Curtin</span> shifted to a 3-5-2 in the hopes of salvaging the undefeated streak. Christian Bolaños extended Vancouver's lead almost immediately, finishing off a counter against the Union's outnumbered back line.</p>
<p><span>Chris Pontius's</span> late goal only served to make the final scoreline more respectable, as the final whistle blew immediately after the ensuing restart.</p>
<p>The Union have another mid-week game this Wednesday, when the <a href="https://www.onceametro.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">New York Red Bulls</a> come to town to contest the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/us-open-golf" class="sbn-auto-link">U.S. Open</a> Cup round of 16.</p>
<h3>Notes</h3>
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<li>After allowing 16 goals through their first 14 games, the Union have given up nine in their last three. Ruh roh.</li>
<li>We saw some of the best final-third possession in franchise history early on in the first half. Having Alberg, Ilsinho, Herbers, and Tranquillo Barnetta out there at the same time allows for some beautiful combinations in the final third.</li>
<li>While Barnetta gives the Union another attacking option, his defensive instincts aren't quite where they need to be if he's going to take up No. 8 role. That's understandable, considering that he's been playing as a No. 10 all season. For the time being, though, the Union will have to ride out Barnetta's adjustment period.</li>
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https://www.brotherlygame.com/2016/6/25/12032112/snapped-vancouver-whitecaps-end-philadelphia-unions-home-undefeated-streakJohn Rossi2016-06-25T21:15:02-04:002016-06-25T21:15:02-04:00Player rating survey: Whitecaps at Union
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<figcaption>Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>The Union suffer their first loss at home this season with a 3-2 result against the Vancouver Whitecaps. It's time to rate the performance of the players.</p> <p>This time the offense couldn't bail out the defense. The Union defense is in free fall as they've allowed eleven goals in their last four league matches. <span>Roland Alberg</span> scored his 5th goal of the season to give the Union the lead but numerous defensive mistakes undid the Union. A late goal off a corner from <span>Leo Fernandes</span> was not enough to finish the comeback attempt. There were some positive performances but in the end too many mistakes and too much space for Vancouver to operate with in the final third.</p>
<p>Fill out the sheet by rating the players on a scale from 1-10 using the guide below. The votes will be counted and in the future we'll compare the fans votes against other player ratings to see just how well the <a href="https://www.brotherlygame.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Union</a> did.</p>
<p id="paragraph1">Here's the scale:</p>
<p id="paragraph2">1 - not a pro (USL/NASL/MLS) quality performance</p>
<p id="paragraph3">4 - average USL starter</p>
<p id="paragraph4">6 - average MLS starter</p>
<p id="paragraph5">9 - MLS All Star</p>
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<p><iframe marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" frameborder="0" height="2500" width="590" src="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1uChWYWs2nLocRMowHqTzy1_NZPL9eIlLFJ4Up-n836s/viewform?embedded=true">Loading...</iframe></p>
https://www.brotherlygame.com/2016/6/25/12032066/player-rating-survey-vancouver-whitecaps-at-philadelphia-union-juneunionoscopy2016-06-25T18:14:41-04:002016-06-25T18:14:41-04:00GAME THREAD: Union vs. Whitecaps
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<figcaption>Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>The Union hope to extend their home unbeaten streak to 11 matches tonight against Vancouver Whitecaps.</p> <table align="center" border="1" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="5">
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<th colspan="3" align="center" bgcolor="silver">UNION GAME #17</th>
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<th align="center" width="20">VS</th>
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<td colspan="3" align="center" bgcolor="silver"><b>Talen Engergy Stadium, Chester, PA</b></td>
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<td colspan="3" align="center"><b>Saturday, June 25, 2016</b></td>
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<td colspan="3" align="center"><b>7:00 PM ET</b></td>
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<td colspan="3" align="center"><b>CSN - Marc Zumoff and Peter Pappas</b></td>
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<td colspan="3" align="center">
<b>Online Streaming: </b><a target="_blank" href="http://live.mlssoccer.com/mlsmdl/">MLS Live</a>
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<td colspan="3" align="center"><a target="_blank" href="http://www.brotherlygame.com/2016/6/24/12015574/match-preview-philadelphia-union-vancouver-whitecaps-mls-news-schedule">TBG Game Preview</a></td>
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<td colspan="3" align="center">
<b>Know Thy Enemy: </b><a target="_blank" href="http://www.eightysixforever.com/">Eighty Six Forever</a>
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<th colspan="3" align="center" bgcolor="silver">Starting XI</th>
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<td align="right" width="240"><span>Fabian Herbers</span></td>
<th align="center" width="20">Forward</th>
<td width="240"><span>Erik Hurtado</span></td>
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<td align="right" width="240">
<span>Sebastien Le Toux</span>, <span>Roland Alberg</span>, Ilsinho, <span>Brian Carroll</span>, <span>Tranquillo Barnetta</span>
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<th align="center" width="20">Midfield</th>
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<span>Christian Bolanos</span>, Nicolas Mezquida, <span>Kekuta Manneh</span>, <span>Pedro Morales</span>, Matias Laba</td>
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<td align="right" width="240">Fabinho, <span>Richie Marquez</span>, Josh Yaro, <span>Keegan Rosenberry</span>
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<th align="center" width="20">Defense</th>
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<span>Jordan Smith</span>, <span>Andrew Jacobson</span>, <span>Tim Parker</span>, <span>Jordan Harvey</span>
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<td align="right" width="240"><span>Andre Blake</span></td>
<th align="center" width="20">Goalkeeper</th>
<td width="240"><span>David Ousted</span></td>
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<span>John McCarthy</span>, <span>Ray Gaddis</span>, <span>Ken Tribbett</span>, <span>Warren Creavalle</span>, <span>Leo Fernandes</span>, <span>Walter Restrepo</span>, <span>Chris Pontius</span>
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<th align="center" width="20">Bench</th>
<td width="240">Paolo Tornaghi, <span>Sam Adekugbe</span>, <span>Fraser Aird</span>, <span>Cristian Techera</span>, <span>Cole Seiler</span>, <span>Blas Perez</span>, <span>Russell Teibert</span>
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<th colspan="3" align="center" bgcolor="silver">Numbers of Note</th>
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<td colspan="3" align="center">1.63 - <a href="https://www.brotherlygame.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Philadelphia Union's</a> points per game, most in Eastern Conference</td>
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<td colspan="3" align="center">1.31 - <a href="https://www.eightysixforever.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Vancouver Whitecaps</a>' points per game, 6th in Western Conference</td>
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<td colspan="3" align="center">60 - Saves by David Ousted, most in MLS</td>
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<th colspan="3" align="center" bgcolor="silver">Game Officials</th>
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<td colspan="3" align="center">Referee: Armando Villareal</td>
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<td colspan="3" align="center">Assistant: Daniel Belleau</td>
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<td colspan="3" align="center">Assistant: Jose Da Silva</td>
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<td colspan="3" align="center">Fourth: Geoff Gamble</td>
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https://www.brotherlygame.com/2016/6/25/12031200/philadelphia-union-vancouver-whitecaps-how-to-watch-mls-tv-online-live-streamingJustin F.2016-06-25T13:30:48-04:002016-06-25T13:30:48-04:00Three Questions with Eighty Six Forever
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<figcaption>Anne-Marie Sorvin-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>We spoke with Bartosz Wysocki of Eighty Six Forever, SB Nation's Vancouver Whitecaps blog, about what to expect from the 'Caps in today's match against the Philadelphia Union.</p> <p><b>Brotherly Game) </b>Vancouver finished 2nd in the West last season, but they've been a bit streaky so far this year. Does this team still have championship potential? If not, what's changed?</p>
<p><b>Eighty Six Forever)</b> The <a href="https://www.eightysixforever.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Vancouver Whitecaps</a> still have championship potential, but at this point there is a much larger emphasis on "potential" than on "championship". We have shown strong performances against quality teams this season, but the consistency is nowhere near what we saw last time out. There have been problems all over the park, from the attackers and midfielders unable to find their scoring touch, to the defense and goalkeeper (more on that later). However, even with so much going wrong for the Caps, the parity in the league means that we're still somehow in a playoff position, and have more than a fair chance of competing for silverware. If the strikers can gain some form (and the key word is "if"), then we can compete with anyone.</p>
<p><b>BG) </b>What's up with Vancouver's striker situation? It looks like <span>Erik Hurtado</span> has been stealing minutes from <span>Octavio Rivero</span> as of late. Which one do you reckon we'll see tomorrow and how do their games differ?</p>
<p><b>ESF) </b>The striker situation is completely up in the air this weekend, and has been for quite some time. At the beginning of the season it would have been assumed that Rivero would be the starter in most games, but his poor form has gotten rid of that assumption. Rivero played in the first leg of the Canadian championship earlier this week, so there is a fair chance that Coach Robinson will be looking to rest him. As well, ever since his loan stint in Norway Hurtado has drastically improved his game, and is not as one dimensional as he was in years past for the Caps. If I had to bet on it, I would assume that Hurtado starts with Rivero coming on to finish off the game.</p>
<p><b>BG) </b>The 'Caps have one of the highest goals allowed totals in the league. What's wrong with that back line?</p>
<p><b>ESF) </b>The Caps back line has undergone a complete 180 degree turn from last season, and not in a good way. From having the lowest goals let in total in 2015, to one of the highest this season, it's been a total mess for the entire back line, as well as the goalkeeper Ousted. The departure of <span>Steven Beitashour</span> has hurt us a lot, and the replacement, whether it be <span>Jordan Smith</span> or <span>Fraser Aird</span>, has not been able to play at Steven's level. In the middle, poor discipline has tremendously hurt the entire team. Waston has missed multiple games because of suspensions, and he will not be featuring in Saturday's match up as well. He was the cornerstone of our defensive line last year, so whenever he is not on the field, the Caps are vulnerable in the back. As well, Ousted is not playing at the spectacular level he had in 2015. Last year he was able to steal many a game for us, and even though he is still playing great this year, there were a few games earlier in the season where his mistakes cost us points.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">***</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Check out our return exchange with Eighty Six Forever <a target="_blank" href="http://www.eightysixforever.com/2016/6/25/12030508/three-questions-with-brotherly-love">here</a>.</p>
https://www.brotherlygame.com/2016/6/25/12029184/three-questions-with-bartosz-wysocki-of-eighty-six-foreverJohn Rossi2016-06-24T10:00:03-04:002016-06-24T10:00:03-04:00Match Preview: Philadelphia Union vs. Vancouver Whitecaps
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<figcaption>Trey Madara / Brotherly Game</figcaption>
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<p>Both the Union and Whitecaps stand on somewhat shaky ground going into Saturday's match at Talen Energy Stadium.</p> <p></p>
<p><b>Game:</b> <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.brotherlygame.com/">Philadelphia Union</a> vs. <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.eightysixforever.com/">Vancouver Whitecaps</a></p>
<p><b>Date:</b> Saturday, June 25th, 2016</p>
<p><b>Time: </b>7:00 PM Eastern (4:00 PM Pacific, 11:00 PM UTC)</p>
<p><b>Venue:</b> Talen Energy Stadium</p>
<p><b>Officials:</b> REF: ARMANDO VILLARREAL AR1: Daniel Belleau AR2: Jose Da Silva 4TH: Jorge Gonzalez</p>
<p><b>Television: </b>TCN Philadelphia</p>
<p><b>Streaming: </b>MLS Live, MLS Direct Kick</p>
<p><b>All-time Record: </b></p>
<p>The Philadelphia Union and the Vancouver Whitecaps have a short history despite some thrilling results over the last five seasons. In six matches against Vancouver, the Union have taken 8 points and are 2-2-2. In three games at Talen Energy Stadium the Union are undefeated, taking one win and two draws away from Vancouver. The two more memorable events were the first game in team history against Vancouver, where Guatemalan legend <span>Carlos Ruiz</span> scored his first goal for Philadelphia in a 1-0 victory. The most exciting match between the two was in fact former manager John Hackworth's last game at the helm of the Union. The 3-3 comeback draw against Vancouver was a break from the string of bad results that would ultimately see Hackworth fired.</p>
<p><b>How Philadelphia Looks:</b></p>
<p><span>Roland Alberg</span>. That is all.</p>
<p>Actually that's not exactly all. Despite the fact that Alberg put the team on his back the last two MLS matches (and the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/us-open-tennis">US Open</a> Cup match against Harrisburg City Islanders FC), the Union are in a very interesting transition period. First place sounds great and all, but the loss of <span>Vincent Nogueira</span> has left a weird vibe around the team. <span>Jim Curtin</span> recognized this after the 3-2 loss away to <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.hudsonriverblue.com/">New York City FC</a> and dropped Barnetta back to Nogs' role, bringing Roland Alberg off the bench to the #10 role against the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.hottimeinoldtown.com/">Chicago Fire</a>.</p>
<p>It worked wonders offensively.</p>
<p>Defensively? The questions mounted up as the Union allowed 3 goals to the worst team in MLS this season. It's now the second straight game they've allowed 3 goals. That is worrisome and when a Vancouver team that is arguably of a higher quality than the two teams the Union just conceded three against; the worry is amplified. <span>Joshua Yaro</span> is on the verge of returning to the starting XI and played 45 minutes off the bench against Chicago. Not to say he's the savior of everything defensively, but his form before his injury was good and may stabilize a young defense.</p>
<p><b>How Vancouver looks: </b></p>
<p><b> </b></p>
<p>The MLS break might've been welcomed by Vancouver, having hit a snag in results prior to the break with a draw and a loss against Western Conference foes. The Canadian Championship continued for the Whitecaps during the break and so did their recent run of form. After losing 2-0 to NASL side Ottawa Fury, Vancouver did turn around a win the aggregate with a 3-0 victory at home. Their return to MLS play saw them fall to the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.thebentmusket.com/">New England Revolution</a> 2-1 at home while missing a few key starters including <span>Pedro Morales</span>.</p>
<p>With the return of Morales and Vancouver striker <span>Octavio Rivero</span>, the Whitecaps offensive punch may be returning just in time to catch a Philly defense that has been shaky at best recently. Morales is definitely the offensive backbone of this team. He's terrific at creating chances, averaging about 1.8 key passes per game in his MLS career. Morales this year, however, is more of a productive scorer than creator. He has 6 goals which leads Vancouver this year and what's even scarier is he's scored 5 of those goals on the road. His performance will be a gigantic factor in their success at Talen Energy Stadium.</p>
<p><b>What to expect: </b></p>
<p>The Union and Vancouver have had only one game in their six meetings where both teams have scored. That game - the 3-3 draw in Chester in 2014 - accounts for half the goals scored between the two teams. With this history, you can suggest that the Union and Whitecaps are going to walk away in a battle for the shutout that every game but one has produced. I can't help but think the opposite will happen in this match.</p>
<p>With Philadelphia being in the transition that they are in, and Vancouver looking to break their mini-run of winless matches in MLS play, I can't see these teams not just absolutely going for it. That usually means goals. The Union are undefeated at home thus far in the 2016 MLS season, and I don't expect that to change on Saturday. Defense may not be the reason the Union win on Saturday, but I've got the Union pulling out another offensive blockbuster. 3-2 Union.</p>
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https://www.brotherlygame.com/2016/6/24/12015574/match-preview-philadelphia-union-vancouver-whitecaps-mls-news-scheduleDoug Gobrecht