Brotherly Game - Match 23: D.C. United vs. Philadelphia UnionThe beautiful game with a Philadelphia attitudehttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/48005/brotherlygame-fave.png2016-08-10T11:00:06-04:00http://www.brotherlygame.com/rss/stream/121625172016-08-10T11:00:06-04:002016-08-10T11:00:06-04:00Player rating results: When a draw feels like a loss
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<figcaption>Rafael Suanes-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Do voters adjust their score for a bad draw? D.C. United was the perfect test case.</p> <p>This <a href="https://www.brotherlygame.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Philadelphia Union</a> season has turned psychological, hasn't it? This team <i>knows</i> that through one-third of the season they had performed as the third best defense in the league. Now they sport the third-worst - and by far the worst defense through the middle third of the season. There have been plenty of mistakes, yes, but also that splendid early season shape is missing. It passed through so quickly like a dream you try to catch when you first wake up. Gone with the shape is that commitment. That commitment that is also so necessary.</p>
<p>What could this change be other than psychological? The players have been remarkably healthy. Some of the players like <span>Josh Yaro</span> and <span>Keegan Rosenberry</span> have even shown growth in their rookie year. Nothing has physically changed with the players, so what remains to explain this change?</p>
<p>In the spirit of psychological woes and the Union's deep need for therapy, this week's player rating results takes a look at the psychology of the draw. You know, the ones like we just experienced - that road point that is supposed to taste sweet, yet tastes like sour wine. For a minute though here are the facts, the results of the fans, pundits and algorithms that watched that painful match.</p>
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<p>The fan votes are joined by the<a href="http://www.phillysoccerpage.net/2016/08/08/analysis-and-player-ratings-dc-united-2-2-union/" target="_blank"> esteemed Adam Cann from PSP</a>, the <a href="https://www.whoscored.com/Matches/1043877/LiveStatistics/USA-Major-League-Soccer-2016-DC-United-Philadelphia-Union" target="_blank">computer from Whoscored</a> and <a href="http://www.phillyvoice.com/union-2-dc-united-2-player-grades-and-analysis-two-points-dropped/" target="_blank">Kevin Kinkead from Philly Voice</a>. This week the fans and experts were united. <span>Tranquillo Barnetta</span> was voted MVP not only for his wonderstrike that tied the match but no doubt for his SIX key passes (passes that lead directly to a shot). Quite a game for a, ahem, box-to-box midfielder. This came as a shock to yours truly but this was Barnetta's first overall MVP award this year. Hard to believe. The fans have voted him MVP three times.</p>
<p>This was also the first time that <span>Ken Tribbett</span> was the overall LVP for his 360-kinda-almost-foul move on <span>Taylor Kemp</span> that allowed the first goal. He struggled all night really, but everyone really punishes obviously bad defensive plays. Even though Tribbett just received his first overall LVP, the fans have voted Tribbett the worst player five of the last eight games. Let's bring back Mr. Yaro, eh?</p>
<p>Even though Adam Cann likes the movement and development of <span>Fabian Herbers</span>, the rest of the voters didn't like the Curtin experiment.</p>
<p><b>Ratings Psychology</b></p>
<p>They don't call it wisdom of the crowd for nothing, but just how emotional is this group of fans after a game? Here's a full season chart of the average ratings after a win, draw and loss:</p>
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<p>100% is the average score and the 108% score for wins shows that players are rated 8% higher after wins than on average. This doesn't need to be emotional of course, it could simply be that players played better and that's why they won. Now you'd expect a more consistent change for wins and losses like you see by the computer in whoscored. There wins get 4% higher scores and losses get 5% lower scores. You can see the humans rate losses much lower than wins, but the crowd has less variability across results.</p>
<p>Now let's look at the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.blackandredunited.com/">D.C. United</a> heartbreak. The fans treated that one closer to a draw than a loss, but PSP rated the players lower than a loss. Meanwhile, in an odd twist the computer from whoscored liked that game better than a typical win. I added the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.lagconfidential.com/">LA Galaxy</a> draw, which was considered a great game by the Union as they battled back against an MLS titan to earn that draw. The human voters raved about that draw, but the computer was unimpressed. Go figure.</p>
<p>The next Union match is a big one. The team that is chasing the Union for their playoff spot, the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.thebentmusket.com/">New England Revolution</a>, is home against their rival. A win could be a lift for team and a loss will see the pressure ratchet up considerably. And a draw, well, that all depends on how it's earned.</p>
https://www.brotherlygame.com/2016/8/10/12419698/player-rating-results-when-a-draw-feels-like-a-lossunionoscopy2016-08-08T07:00:03-04:002016-08-08T07:00:03-04:00Game changers: Gut-wrenching gut check
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<img alt="The Philadelphia Union’s CJ Sapong reacts after missing a shot against D.C. United. The Union and United drew 2-2." src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/xIqsKC2FJ5WsLHMYpVbbobX7hnA=/0x0:2046x1364/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/50318263/13932182_1301029296576469_912226171_o.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>The Philadelphia Union’s CJ Sapong reacts after missing a shot against D.C. United. The Union and United drew 2-2. | Trey Madara / Brotherly Game</figcaption>
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<p>If the Union are playing golf in the end of October instead of soccer, these are the moments that they will look back on and rue.</p> <p id="klh76l"><strong>1a.) The Philadelphia Union’s lineup</strong> - There were a couple of surprises in the Union’s setup. The biggest surprise was Fabian Herbers getting the nod over Roland Alberg, as this seemed to indicate a bit of a switch in tactics. Where Alberg plays more of a traditional 10, Herbers’s time at forward meant he’d be more of a False Nine. Not a bad look when going up against a patchwork D.C. defense and midfield.</p>
<p id="0PPTrp">Another surprise was Ken Tribbett starting over Josh Yaro. Since this re-appears later in this column I won’t give too much away, but suffice it to say Tribbett’s second half was much better than his first.</p>
<p id="TmAi86"><strong>1b.) D.C. United’s lineup</strong> - In the match preview, I detailed how many United regulars were missing due to injury or suspension, so we knew going into it that the lineup would be something Ben Olsen cobbled together. Rob Vincent got the start at central defensive midfielder for the suspended Marcelo Sarvas, Lloyd Sam got the start at right wing, and Nick DeLeon slid over to central midfield in favor of Jared Jeffrey. The lineup looked disjointed at times, but overall held together well.</p>
<p id="9Nf6pD"><strong>2.) Ken Tribbett and the terrible, horrible, no good, very bad play</strong> - Tribbett made two very costly mistakes on the same play, and the Union paid dearly for it.</p>
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<p id="zv0XuV">This play starts when Tribbett’s first touch forces him to hold on to the ball for a split-second too long, and when he tries to get rid of it, he passed it right to Taylor Kemp. Kemp made a good run down the flank, and ran into Tribbett. Tribbett should have taken the foul at this point, however he doesn’t fully commit to stopping Kemp and Kemp goes by him. Union goalkeeper Andre Blake read pass, however Kemp shot and caught Blake flat-footed.</p>
<p id="sShoXr"><strong>3.) Fabian Herbers could have had a spectacular game</strong> - Herbers had a couple of chances to make himself the hero. Not long after Kemp’s goal Herbers had a great ball played to him by Keegan Rosenberry. Herbers had a great angle to shoot on Bill Hamid, however he did this:</p>
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<p id="rIyIFQ">Perhaps it was the terrible turf conditions that made the ball bounce, but Herbers has to do better with this shot. This could have been a quick equalizer against United, instead it was sent into orbit.</p>
<p id="fJSIiG"><strong>4.) Bend it like Barnetta</strong> - There isn’t anything better than drawing level before the half thanks to a stupid foul. Prior to this video starting, CJ Sapong went for a loose ball and was kicked in the stomach by Rob Vincent. Barnetta stepped up to take the free kick, and magic happened:</p>
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<p id="yb7LAr">That’s a world class strike from Barnetta, and it really took the wind out of D.C.’s sails going into the half.</p>
<p id="Lg5LlX"><strong>5.) Hamid falls tall</strong> - Shortly after the break, the momentum was still squarely with the Union. This starts off when two of the Union’s most maligned players - the aforementioned Ken Tribbett and Warren Creavalle (who came on for the injured Brian Carroll just before the Barnetta goal) - along with Ilsinho all converged on Luciano Acosta to force a turnover. The ball squirts free to Fabian Herbers, who lead a fast break down the Union’s left side. CJ Sapong had a great run that saw him drift from the center of the pitch out wide to the Union’s right. Steve Birnbaum and Bobby Boswell do a great job of clogging any passing lane between Herbers and Sapong, while CJ does well to remain disciplined and stay onside. Herbers slows up a touch to allow Tranquillo Barnetta to catch up to the play, however this allows Taylor Kemp and Rob Vincent to track back and get into the play. Still, not all is lost for the Union, as Herbers plays Barnetta forward, drawing everyone out to the Union’s left and away from Sapong, who is still a few yards ahead of Kemp - the only defender trying to mark him. Barnetta’s first touch was excellent, allowing him to blow past the defenders while Sapong manages to get on the inside track of Kemp. Barnetta’s pass to Sapong is perfect, and Sapong struck it against the grain hoping Hamid’s momentum would have prevented him from making a play on it. </p>
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<p id="D4ZDDX">Unfortunately for the Union, the crappy condition of the turf in the goal box caused Sapong to muff the shot and Hamid to slip, so the ball went right into his midsection. Not to worry, Fabian Herbers did what every coach he’s ever had has probably told him and followed up on the play, and was able to get a foot on the ball, but unfortunately it went wide and out of play. This was the definition of unlucky for the Union. If Hamid doesn’t slip, that’s a goal. If Sapong strikes it cleanly, that’s a goal. If Herbers can get a better touch on it, that’s a goal.</p>
<p id="dgCbLY"><strong>6.) Pontius haunts his old haunt</strong> - This one is the result of Ilsinho. While the Brazilian has at times failed to do little more than make opposing defenders look silly (while not resulting in anything), this time he created a goal not with a spectacular touch but with his physicality. The Union had possession deep in D.C.’s box, and Keegan Rosenberry tried a little give-and-go with Ilsinho, however Taylor Kemp intercepted Ilsinho’s pass and turned it upfield to Luciano Acosta. Acosta <a href="http://www.mlssoccer.com/players/luciano-acosta">is listed at 5’3”, 130</a> while Ilsinho <a href="http://www.philadelphiaunion.com/players/ilsinho">is 5’10” and 189</a>. Ilsinho leaned into Acosta and was able to muscle him off of the ball. </p>
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<p id="tTYd1s">Ilsinho then turned it around, dribbled the ball toward goal, feinted right, and then laid off a perfect pass to his left for an unmarked Chris Pontius. Pontius in turn buried it past Hamid to give the Union the lead. In typical classy form, Pontius didn’t celebrate the goal much in front of the fans who for so long cheered his name.</p>
<p id="FPY6lO"><strong>7.) Blake saves the Union</strong> - Sure, this happens every week. Andre Blake is spectacular, and we’re fortunate enough to have him for as long as we have him. </p>
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<p id="iXtBD7">D.C. had been pressuring the Union more and more as the match went on, and Blake’s two saves are spectacular, but notice that this starts when the Union can’t clear the ball out of their own end. When they try, they either send it to midfield where United had parked Rob Vincent and Taylor Kemp to corral these clearances, or the clearing attempts aren’t good. In this case, Warren Creavalle (who aside from this had an excellent game coming in for the injured Brian Carroll) scuffed his clearing attempt and instead of it going long it went right to Kennedy Igboananike, who fired it on frame. Blake made a spectacular save to push the ball out, but it went right to the foot of Lamar Neagle. Neagle shot it directly at Blake, who was able to parry it to Richie Marquez, who cleared the ball out - but only as far as Taylor Kemp. This recurring theme is important because...</p>
<p id="iX4RaD"><strong>8.) The Union Union’d</strong> - Another last-minute meltdown by the Union cost points. If the guys are playing golf in the end of October instead of soccer, these are the moments that they will look back on and rue. The Union could not maintain possession after Blake’s saves, and this is dangerous when you’re facing an opponent who is down at home and has five minutes of stoppage time to work with. A Sapong clearance up toward Charlie Davies went out of bounds. A Barnetta run where his first touch lets him down and allows D.C. to dump it back down field. Walter Restrepo trying to go for glory and dribbling into Bobby Boswell instead of taking it to the corner flag and trying to milk the clock. Restrepo winning an Andre Blake kick and again trying to run it down the center of the pitch. A Barnetta clearance that didn’t make it to midfield. These all happened before this play where the Union could have tried to clear it as far from their own goal as possible but didn’t. Then there’s this.</p>
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<p id="AZ8TtY">Richie Marquez had a decent game, but he scuffed the clearance and gave the ball away far too cheaply to United. There was a little more than a minute left in the match, and if he boots it down field it will eat that much more time off of the clock. Instead, it rolls slowly to Patrick Nyarko, who takes it up field and blasts a cross toward the far corner of the six yard box. Both Steve Birnbaum and Lamar Neagle are waiting for it - totally unmarked. Keegan Rosenberry, Ken Tribbett, and Walter Restrepo are all absent on this play, and Birnbaum made the most of his opportunity. His header went back post as Andre Blake rushed over to cut down the angle, and just like that two points evaporated for the Union.</p>
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<p id="9SmeoV">The Union should do a lot of soul-searching after this. A road point is always a good thing, however to allow D.C. to tie the match in that manner that late in the game has to spark something within the players. The momentum they built up earlier in the season is gone. It must be replaced with new momentum. Perhaps the addition of Davies and Alejandro Bedoya will help the Union build new momentum, however this needs to happen fast. One win is all it takes to light that fire and create that belief again.</p>
https://www.brotherlygame.com/2016/8/8/12395814/dc-united-philadelphia-union-match-review-chris-pontius-steve-birnbaum-charlie-daviesEugene Rupinski2016-08-07T00:10:24-04:002016-08-07T00:10:24-04:00Recap: United 2-2 Union
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<figcaption>Rafael Suanes-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>It appeared the Union would escape RFK Stadium with three points until a stoppage time Steve Birnbaum goal ended those hopes.</p> <p>It all seemed set up for the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.brotherlygame.com/">Philadelphia Union</a> to walk away from RFK Stadium with three points. The Union were ahead by a goal entering the match's final minutes and United had been struggling to generate quality chances. But then they did, and while <span>Andre Blake</span> made some fine saves, one chance got in and that was all that was needed to take the three points away as the Union left RFK Stadium with only one point and a 2-2 draw.</p>
<p>The first major action of the match came in the 16th minute. An unfortunate turnover from <span>Keegan Rosenberry</span> led to <span>Taylor Kemp</span> dribbling down the pitch with the ball. Upon approaching <span>Ken Tribbett</span>, Kemp danced around him so much so that Tribbett managed neither a foul nor a tackle attempt. Tribbett's defensive failing led to Kemp getting an open shot at goal which he converted to put United up 1-0 early in the match.</p>
<p>In first half stoppage time the Philadelphia Union earned a free kick from distance, and <span>Tranquillo Barnetta</span> made the most of it. He powered through the ball with his right foot and with <span>Bill Hamid</span> a little slow to react, the ball had no problem finding the back of the net for a wonderstrike that evened the match at one heading into halftime.</p>
<p>The Union proceeded to begin the second half with a bang. <span>Fabian Herbers</span> played through Barnetta making an overlapping run. Barnetta played the ball to C.J. Sapong in front of goal but Sapong whiffed on the shot enabling a save from Hamid. The rebound went to Barnetta but he was unable to do anything with it other than give Hamid a goal kick. Given how the match turned out, it is probably safe to say the Union ultimately regretted not making more of this particular opportunity. They went on to get one when they needed two.</p>
<p>The one second half goal the Union did get came off a turnover. Ilsinho stripped <span>Luciano Acosta</span> of the ball and played through Chris Pontius. Pontius slotted the ball past Hamid to put the Union up 2-1. Given that he had just scored a goal against his former team putting them behind in the match, Pontius elected to not celebrate the goal out of respect for his former club. Celebration or not, though, the Union were ahead.</p>
<p>The game appeared to stagnate for the next 30 minutes or so, but then <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.blackandredunited.com/">D.C. United</a> began to push through great chance after great chance starting in the 90th minute. Acosta sent it in for <span>Patrick Nyarko</span> whose shot on goal went off the side netting to such a degree that both sets of local television commentary teams believed the ball to be in the net. It wasn't, though, and one minute later United had two more golden opportunities in rapid succession. Blake misplaying a corner kick led to the ball popping out to <span>Kennedy Igboananike</span> near the corner of the box. His quick shot was stopped by a diving Blake but the rebound went straight to Lamar Neagle. With Blake still on the ground, Neagle shot it but Blake succeeded in stretching out some more and prevented the ball from entering the net.</p>
<p>Blake's great save would not be the end of the match, unfortunately, and with a minute left in stoppage time United pounced on a game winner. Nyarko's long delivery into the box found its way to <span>Steve Birnbaum</span> who headed it past Blake and into the net by the far post to even the ledger, leaving both teams with a point for the match.</p>
<p>Despite needing a win tonight, the Philadelphia Union were unable to get it and their drop in the Eastern Conference standings continues, now 5th place in both total points and points per game in the Eastern Conference. The Philadelphia Union will hope to improve things and finally get only their second road win of the season next Saturday as they travel up to Foxborough to play the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.thebentmusket.com/">New England Revolution</a>.</p>
https://www.brotherlygame.com/2016/8/7/12395202/philadelphia-union-dc-united-tranquillo-barnetta-chris-pontius-goalJustin F.2016-08-06T21:33:19-04:002016-08-06T21:33:19-04:00Player rating survey: Union at D.C. United
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<figcaption><a href='https://www.flickr.com/photos/130304039@N05/albums/'>Trey Madara / Flickr</a></figcaption>
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<p>D.C. United drew the Philadelphia Union late on Saturday night thanks to a well-placed, stoppage-time header from central defender Steven Birnbaum. Though the Union will return home from RFK Stadium with only a point in their pocket, we saw some solid play, most notably from <span>Andre Blake</span>. Despite the positives, the Blue and Gold had a dreadful first half, and they simply couldn't cope with DCU's pressure in the game's final moments.</p>
<p id="paragraph1">So how did the Union players individually perform against <a href="https://www.blackandredunited.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">D.C. United</a>? 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 data-ref-index="9" href="https://www.brotherlygame.com/">Union</a> did.</p>
<p id="paragraph2">Here's the scale:</p>
<p id="paragraph3">1 - not a pro (USL/NASL/MLS) quality performance</p>
<p id="paragraph4">4 - average USL starter</p>
<p id="paragraph5">6 - average MLS starter</p>
<p id="paragraph6">9 - MLS All Star</p>
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https://www.brotherlygame.com/2016/8/6/12393642/player-rating-survey-philadelphia-union-at-d-c-united-august-6th-2016unionoscopy2016-08-06T20:39:12-04:002016-08-06T20:39:12-04:00Even the turf at RFK Stadium is bad
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<img alt="The pitch at RFK Stadium was not good." src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/u4ZWFA_IEMlWYRAxy7npfmQTxag=/0x299:511x640/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/50312527/13933046_1300213039991428_9478919_n.0.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>The pitch at RFK Stadium was trashed. | Trey Madara / Brotherly Game</figcaption>
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<p>If you thought raccoons and tetanus were the biggest worries about RFK, think again.</p> <p id="C4FTxw">Everyone knows RFK Stadium is falling down. There are raccoons in the boxes, the structural beams are rusted, and the wooden seats will give you splinters in uncomfortable places if you sit down on them. But the pitch tonight may be worse than any of that.</p>
<p id="kXi9RM">Check out what happens to D.C. United goalkeeper Bill Hamid when he tries to send out a goal kick in the first half against the Philadelphia Union:</p>
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<img alt="The pitch at RFK Stadium caused Bill Hamid to slip on a goal kick." data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/ktraUlNpn2ylR1o43rBWlLT1i60=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/6900849/20160806Hamidslip.0.gif">
<cite>MLS Soccer</cite>
<figcaption>The pitch at RFK Stadium caused Bill Hamid to slip on a goal kick.</figcaption>
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<p id="B4HFHu">Yikes. It’s bad enough that the fans have to make sure their tetanus shots are up to date before going there, but the bumps and divots on the pitch are going to seriously injure a player. Falling on your ass on a goal kick is funny, but a sprained ankle or torn ACL is not.</p>
<p id="HXbYgw">Hopefully the <a href="http://www.blackandredunited.com/stadium-news/2016/6/13/11926574/dc-united-stadium-buzzard-point-3d-model">new stadium that’s being planned at Buzzard Point inside of the District</a> will have a good pitch laid down when it finally hosts a match</p>
https://www.brotherlygame.com/2016/8/6/12395272/even-the-turf-at-rfk-stadium-is-badEugene Rupinski2016-08-06T17:30:05-04:002016-08-06T17:30:05-04:00GAME THREAD: United vs. Union
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/Mxc_SbRfsZjcsDb8h9k_0gxZZ6M=/0x0:4915x3277/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/50311805/GettyImages-495661351.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>David Ramos/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The Philadelphia Union are making the trip South on I-95 to the nation's capital where they will face D.C. United in a crucial road match.</p> <table align="center" border="1" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="5">
<tbody>
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<th colspan="3" align="center" bgcolor="silver">UNION GAME #23</th>
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<tr>
<td width="240"><center> <figure class="e-image">
<img alt=" " data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/MESXju2bIbXpwHHq2sEv4r6xPhM=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/6900145/32590012016.0.gif">
</figure>
</center></td>
<th align="center" width="20">VS</th>
<td width="240"><center> <figure class="e-image">
<img alt=" " data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/6eHznTCR5BzPxR4X0wmw2YzMWDw=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/6900147/qee7soq7augbn2jofb315sw1i.0.gif">
</figure>
</center></td>
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<td colspan="3" align="center" bgcolor="silver"><b>RFK Stadium, Washington, D.C.</b></td>
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<td colspan="3" align="center"><b>Saturday, August 6, 2016</b></td>
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<td colspan="3" align="center"><b>7:00 PM</b></td>
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<td colspan="3" align="center"><b>TCN - JP Dellacamera and Janusz Michallik</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>
</td>
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<td colspan="3" align="center"><a target="_blank" href="http://www.brotherlygame.com/2016/8/5/12384072/preview-dc-united-philadelphia-union-2016-news-schedule-how-to-watch">TBG Game Preview</a></td>
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<tr>
<td colspan="3" align="center">
<b>Know Thy Enemy: </b><a target="_blank" href="http://www.blackandredunited.com/">Black And Red United</a>
</td>
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<th colspan="3" align="center" bgcolor="silver">Starting XI</th>
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<td align="right" width="240">
<span> </span><span>Patrick Mullins</span>
</td>
<th align="center" width="20">Forward</th>
<td width="240"><span>CJ Sapong</span></td>
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<tr>
<td align="right" width="240">
<span>Patrick Nyarko</span>, <span>Luciano Acosta</span>, <span>Nick DeLeon</span>, <span>Lloyd Sam</span>; <span>Rob Vincent</span>
</td>
<th align="center" width="20">Midfield</th>
<td width="240">
<span>Chris Pontius</span>, <span>Fabian Herbers</span>, Ilsinho;<span>Brian Carroll</span>, <span>Tranquillo Barnetta</span>
</td>
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<td align="right" width="240">
<span>Bobby Boswell</span>, <span>Steve Birnbaum</span>, <span>Sean Franklin</span>
</td>
<th align="center" width="20">Defense</th>
<td width="240">Fabinho, <span>Richie Marquez</span>, <span>Ken Tribbett</span>, <span>Keegan Rosenberry</span>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="right" width="240"><span>Bill Hamid</span></td>
<th align="center" width="20">Goalkeeper</th>
<td width="240"><span>Andre Blake</span></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="right" width="240">
<span>Travis Worra</span>, <span>Jalen Robinson</span>, <span>Kofi Opare</span>, Julian Büescher, Alvaro Saborío, <span>Kennedy Igboananike</span>, <span>Lamar Neagle</span>
</td>
<th align="center" width="20">Bench</th>
<td width="240">
<span>John McCarthy</span>, <span>Ray Gaddis</span>, Josh Yaro, <span>Warren Creavalle</span>, <span>Roland Alberg</span>, <span>Walter Restrepo</span>, Charlie Davies</td>
</tr>
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<th colspan="3" align="center" bgcolor="silver">Numbers of Note</th>
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<td colspan="3" align="center">1.36 - <a href="https://www.brotherlygame.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Philadelphia Union's</a> points per game, 5th in Eastern Conference</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td colspan="3" align="center">9 - Yellow cards shown to <span>Marcelo Sarvas</span>, most in MLS</td>
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<td colspan="3" align="center">1980 - Minutes played by Keegan Rosenberry, most on the Philadelphia Union</td>
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<tr>
</tr>
<tr>
<th colspan="3" align="center" bgcolor="silver">Game Officials</th>
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<td colspan="3" align="center">Referee: Jair Marrufo</td>
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<td colspan="3" align="center">Assistant: Andrew Bigelow</td>
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<td colspan="3" align="center">Assistant: Jose J. Da Silva</td>
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<tr>
</tr>
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<td colspan="3" align="center">Fourth: Jaime Herrera</td>
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</tbody>
</table>
https://www.brotherlygame.com/2016/8/6/12394534/dc-united-vs-philadelphia-union-how-to-watch-tv-online-live-streamingJustin F.2016-08-05T10:00:08-04:002016-08-05T10:00:08-04:00Match preview: D.C. United vs. Philadelphia Union
<figure>
<img alt="MLS: D.C. United at Philadelphia Union" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/vEcmsawjVQXiZka8kM_rc7LrUXM=/0x0:4086x2724/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/50301929/usa-today-9377111.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="OadJfd"><strong>Game:</strong> D.C. United vs. Philadelphia Union</p>
<p id="iHsJdo"><strong>Date:</strong> Saturday, August 6th</p>
<p id="blI168"><strong>Time:</strong> 5:00 PM</p>
<p id="X2smqI"><strong>Venue:</strong> RFK Stadium (Washington, DC)</p>
<p id="NfDdTC"><strong>Referees:</strong> REF: Jair Marrufo, AR1: Andrew Bigelow, AR2: Jose J. Da Silva, 4TH: Jaime Herrera</p>
<p id="LtqFcg"><strong>Television:</strong> The Comcast Network (Philadelphia area), NewsChannel 8 (DC area)</p>
<p id="OPQlSF"><strong>Streaming:</strong> <a href="http://live.mlssoccer.com/mlsmdl/">MLS Live</a></p>
<p id="GUfsq5"><strong>All-time record: </strong>With a 1-0 win in May and a 3-0 win in July, the Union have drawn the series level in MLS play at seven wins each with three draws.</p>
<p id="59ZK84"> <strong>What Philadelphia will look like:</strong> The Union were among the biggest movers at the end of the international transfer window, sending talisman Sebastien Le Toux to the Colorado Rapids while acquiring Alejandro Bedoya from Nantes and Charlie Davies from the New England Revolution. While both men will be available for selection, I think Davies is the more likely candidate to get any minutes. That being said, I’d be shocked if either men started - Davies has played 15 minutes since April and Bedoya hasn’t played competitive club soccer since the middle of May. </p>
<p id="yKLUDP">As for the starting lineup, look for Andre Blake to start in front of a back line of Fabinho, Richie Marquez, Josh Yaro, and Keegan Rosenberry. Look for Brian Carroll and Tranquillo Barnetta in the deep midfield with Chris Pontius, Roland Alberg, and Ilsinho in the attacking midfield behind CJ Sapong. Barnetta is listed as questionable with an abdominal strain, however he should be ready to go against United.</p>
<p id="vWhDdo"><strong>What D.C. will look like: </strong>United will be without several key players. Goalkeeper Charlie Horton (hand injury), defender Chris Korb (right ACL tear), midfielder Collin Martin (foot injury), midfielder/forward Chris Rolfe (concussion), and forward Alhaji Kamara (right hamstring injury) are all out injured, while Marcelo Sarvas is out due to yellow card accumulation.</p>
<p id="T9AkLV">Bill Hamid will start in goal for D.C., while the back line will most likely be Taylor Kemp, Bobby Boswell, Steve Birnbaum, and Sean Franklin. Jared Jeffrey will most likely drop back to be the lone defensive midfielder in D.C.’s 4-1-4-1 with Sarvas suspended. Look for a formidable midfield of Kennedy Igboananike, Luciano Acosta, Nick DeLeon, and Patrick Nyarko behind Patrick Mullins.</p>
<p id="JHH9DF"><strong>What to expect: </strong>Who honestly knows? With as many new faces and variables, this is as much of a mystery as any game since perhaps the season opener. Both the Union and D.C. have been on three and five game winless streaks, but I don’t see this one ending in a draw. I think the Union’s roster continuity will pay dividends and should be enough to push the Union over the hump.</p>
https://www.brotherlygame.com/2016/8/5/12384072/preview-dc-united-philadelphia-union-2016-news-schedule-how-to-watchEugene Rupinski