Brotherly Game - Match 33 story stream: Philadelphia Union vs. Orlando City SCThe beautiful game with a Philadelphia attitudehttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/48005/brotherlygame-fave.png2016-10-19T10:00:06-04:00http://www.brotherlygame.com/rss/stream/130609052016-10-19T10:00:06-04:002016-10-19T10:00:06-04:00Player rating results: Philadelphia vs. Orlando
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<figcaption>Derik Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>The fans vote that this was the Union's worst performance of the season. Hard to argue.</p> <p>The <a href="https://www.brotherlygame.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Philadelphia Union</a> had a chance to thrill the home crowd and end a five year playoff drought with an emphatic win, and instead came up very short. With two weeks off, the rested team looked as though they had forgotten how to play together. There was no excuse to be found, and the fans have been angry. So angry they voted this performance as the worst of the season - worse than the 2-0 loss in the opener to <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.bigdsoccer.com/">FC Dallas</a> and worse than the 3-0 loss to the worst team in the league, the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.hottimeinoldtown.com/">Chicago Fire</a>. It was that bad. Here are the results including the ratings from the usual suspects at <a href="http://www.phillysoccerpage.net/2016/10/18/player-ratings-analysis-union-0-2-orlando-city-sc/" target="_blank">Philly Soccer Page</a>, <a href="https://www.whoscored.com/Matches/1043950/LiveStatistics/USA-Major-League-Soccer-2016-Philadelphia-Union-Orlando-City" target="_blank">Whoscored </a>and <a href="http://www.phillyvoice.com/union-0-orlando-2-player-grades-analysis-pitiful-home-performance/" target="_blank">Philly Voice</a>.</p>
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<p>Let's start with the good news which was a decent outing by <span>Andre Blake</span> who made two terrific saves that kept the Union close. The fact that he only had two saves limits his effectiveness, but it was good enough for the fans. The experts meanwhile were unanimously impressed with the performance of <span>Ken Tribbett</span>, who bounced back with a solid game. He won four aerial duels, made four tackles, six interceptions and five clearances and he earns the overall player MVP for the game.</p>
<p>The voters were mixed on who had the worst performance. Fabinho's lazy blunder that led to the first goal (and unlucky one from Blake's perspective at that) put him near the bottom, but it was <span>Fabian Herbers</span> who took the overall LVP award. Herbers took just the one awful shot and only touched the ball 33 times throughout the game, turning it over four times. Philly Voice rated Alejandro Bedoya's performance an F due to a handful of first half turnovers and an inability to impact the team going forward. I think he deserves a better grade simply for the great ball he sent to <span>Tranquillo Barnetta</span> towards the end of the game. A slightly better header could have easily tied the score. The fans continue to be tired of the <span>CJ Sapong</span> show, rating him just a 3.3 for the match. Sapong's fortunes have fallen along with the Union's during the second half of the season, and he now is probably the weakest striker in the Eastern Conference - if not all of MLS. Something needs to be done to address the fall from grace.</p>
<p>The Union lucked out and effectively made the playoffs despite the performance. The fans have lost hope in the team but the reality is anything can happen if the team can find their groove and the bounces go their way. Oddly, it may be the Union's greatest season yet. Or it may be one where a terrific start only set the team up for a typical Philadelphia sports crash landing.</p>
https://www.brotherlygame.com/2016/10/19/13327350/player-rating-results-union-mistakes-doom-home-lossunionoscopy2016-10-18T06:00:03-04:002016-10-18T06:00:03-04:00Poetry Corner Kicks: Backing in.
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<figcaption>Derik Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Poetry Corner Kicks is groaning with the fans.</p> <p>This was hugely disappointing, but in the end the <a href="https://www.brotherlygame.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Philadelphia Union</a> are still very much alive for the last playoff spot. A strong early season affords them this luxury, but the fact is the Union do not look very much like a playoff team right now. We know that they CAN play with anyone, the trick now is actually doing it again. <a href="https://www.themaneland.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Orlando City</a> came to the Union’s house already eliminated from playoff contention and took it to the hosts in the second half. A few unfortunate bounces and lack of firepower from the Union and things ended on a sour note.<br><br>Against Orlando Philly played<br>But all the home fans felt betrayed<br>For though the Union tried to clinch<br>Alas Orlando made them flinch<br><br>Herbers tried to score for Philly<br>He caught a pass from ol’ Tranquilly<br>He set himself for scoring glory<br>But skied his shot and it turned gory<br><br>The U’s defense would later try<br>To leave their goalie high and dry<br>Our own defender’s grand mistake<br>Went off the post and back to Blake<br><br>Tied at aughts there at the half<br>The U had yet to make their gaffes<br>Then there in minute fifty-nine<br>The U went down on the scoreline<br><br>Rivas’ shot rolled on past Blake<br>And Keegan raced with much at stake<br>But at the end the ball went in<br>Much to Keegan R.’s chagrin<br><br>Andre made some saves stupendous<br>But Philly’s play was still horrendous<br>They couldn’t get one past the line<br>Which made the home fans start to whine<br><br>To close the game: another goal<br>This put Purple in control<br>Another loss for faithful fans<br>But playoffs are still in our hands<br><br>A strong start got the U this far<br>They’ll prob’ly end up ‘bove the bar<br>But first round action ‘gainst the Reds<br>Might put playoff hopes to bed</p>
https://www.brotherlygame.com/2016/10/18/13305028/poetry-corner-kicks-union-0-orlando-city-2stocktonryan2016-10-16T19:08:37-04:002016-10-16T19:08:37-04:00Match Recap: Union fall 2-0 to Orlando City
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<figcaption>Derik Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>The Union fumbled a chance to clinch a spot in the playoffs on Sunday.</p> <p>Through no action of their own, the <a href="https://www.brotherlygame.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Philadelphia Union</a> have effectively earned a spot in the playoffs. With a chance to clinch a playoff berth at home, the Union stumbled, falling 2-0 to already-eliminated <a href="https://www.themaneland.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Orlando City</a> SC. A trashtastic goal that is currently being credited to <span>Carlos Rivas</span> and a stoppage-time tally from <span>Julio Baptista</span> locked up the win for Orlando, their first against the Union since joining MLS last year.</p>
<p>Orlando City took the lead in the 59th minute through a <span>Keegan Rosenberry</span> own goal. After Carlos Rivas stormed down the field and bundled the ball past an outrushing <span>Andre Blake</span>, the young defender intervened. Unfortunately for him, his attempted clearance was less than ideal. The move started when Fabinho failed to control a clearance in the midfield, giving Rivas both the ball and a free run at goal.</p>
<p>With the threat of falling out of the playoffs realer than ever, the Union immediately tried to peg back Orlando.</p>
<p><span>CJ Sapong</span> had a chance to equalize in the 66th minute, but his flicked header was on trouble for Joe Bendik. Fabinho created the chance once again.</p>
<p>The Union forced another save out of Bendik a minute later. Just as a long run from <span>Fabian Herbers</span> looked to result in nothing, his chipped cross somehow found its way to the head of Chris Pontius. The winger elevated to nod the ball onto goal, but Bendik pushed it away.</p>
<p>Andre Blake kept the Union's hopes alive in the 79th minute, when he extended to deny Matias Perez-Garcia's curler to the far post. Having cut back and sent <span>Richie Marquez</span> the other way, Perez-Garcia looked ready to send one into the side-netting, but Blake stretched to push his shot wide and keep the lead at one.</p>
<p>Blake came up big again just moments later. With a funky cross heading toward net, the 'keeper quickly shuffled over to stop the errant ball from crossing the line along the near post.</p>
<p>Julio Baptista sealed the deal for Orlando late into second-half stoppage time. The substitute got on the end of a deflected through ball from <span>Antonio Nocerino</span> and, with no defenders in his way, ran in and pushed one past Andre Blake.</p>
<p>The first half was nowhere near as eventful as the second, as neither side managed to put a shot on goal.</p>
<p>The Union's best opportunity of the first half came in the 30th minute, when <span>Tranquillo Barnetta</span> teed up Fabian Herbers. The rookie couldn't convert from about 10 yards out, blasting his shot well over the crossbar.</p>
<p>The <a href="https://www.onceametro.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">New York Red Bulls</a> will come to Chester next Sunday for the Union's final regular season game. New York currently sit atop the Eastern Conference and will likely secure that top spot regardless of what happens next week.</p>
<h3>Notes</h3>
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<li>The Union are essentially in the playoffs, but it is now impossible for them to host a knockout round game. They currently sit sixth in the Eastern Conference, meaning that if they finish there, they'll take on the third-place team. <a href="https://www.wakingthered.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Toronto FC</a> currently occupies that spot, but that could change. If TFC wins and <a href="https://www.hudsonriverblue.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">New York City FC</a> fails to take three points from New England, NYCFC could drop into that top spot. The Union could also climb into fifth place with a win and a Montreal loss. In that case, they would travel down to Washington to take on <a href="https://www.blackandredunited.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">D.C. United</a>. </li>
<li>It's been nearly two months since the Union's last win, as they've gone 0-4-2 in that time. They haven't had a six-game stretch that bad since late-April to mid-May of 2014. Regardless of what they do next week, they'll be the coldest team coming into the playoffs.</li>
<li>Tranquillo Barnetta's dead-ball delivery was aberrationally bad on Sunday, completing only three of his 11 set pieces, and only directly setting up one shot. His free kicks and corners have been consistently threatening all season, but he failed to generate any legitimate chances from a set piece on a day where the Union were dying for an offensive spark.</li>
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https://www.brotherlygame.com/2016/10/16/13299924/match-recap-philadelphia-union-fall-2-0-to-orlando-city-scJohn Rossi2016-10-16T17:27:23-04:002016-10-16T17:27:23-04:00Player rating survey: Philadelphia vs. Orlando
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<figcaption>Trey Madara / Brotherly Game</figcaption>
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<p>How bad were the players in the 2-0 loss to Orlando? You tell us.</p> <p>There's no sugar-coating that one: when the Philadelphia Union needed to come up big against Orlando City, they responded with an absolutely awful performance that squandered a golden opportunity to clinch the club's first playoff berth since 2011. Orlando City - who was eliminated prior to the match - came in and scored two against the Union in their own building for their first-ever win against Philadelphia.</p>
<p>So how did the Union players individually perform at Talen Energy Stadium against Orlando City? 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 style="box-sizing: border-box; text-decoration: inherit; vertical-align: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; background-color: #ffffff; color: #0d1f29; transition: color 0.1s, background-color 0.1s, fill 0.1s; border-bottom: 1px solid transparent; font-weight: 700;" href="https://www.brotherlygame.com/" data-ref-index="9">Union</a> did.</p>
<p>Here's the scale:</p>
<p>1 - not a pro (USL/NASL/MLS) quality performance</p>
<p>4 - average USL starter</p>
<p>6 - average MLS starter</p>
<p>9 - MLS All Star</p>
<p><iframe marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" frameborder="0" height="2700" width="560" src="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScj3DeejhhKpzSIXpo8LgKqL0gM6urRaNU1woA5Ty_1s89yKA/viewform?embedded=true">Loading...</iframe></p>
https://www.brotherlygame.com/2016/10/16/13299754/player-rating-survey-philadelphia-union-vs-orlando-city-sc-octoberunionoscopy2016-10-16T08:00:02-04:002016-10-16T08:00:02-04:00Brotherly Game Daily Links 10/16/16
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<p>This could be the weekend we've all been waiting for, let's get to the links.</p> <p><b><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.brotherlygame.com/">Philadelphia Union</a> News</b></p>
<p><a href="http://www.brotherlygame.com/2016/10/14/13280270/match-preview-philadelphia-union-orlando-city-sc-time-how-to-watch-online-streaming">Match preview: Philadelphia Union vs. Orlando City SC</a><br>This match could define the Philadelphia Union’s season.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.brotherlygame.com/2016/10/15/13280870/match-preview-philadelphia-union-orlando-city-the-mane-land">Four questions with The Mane Land </a><br>The game is so important we went with four questions instead of the usual three.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.themaneland.com/2016/10/15/13284802/intelligence-report-orlando-city-at-philadelphia-union-round-3">Intelligence Report: Orlando City at Philadelphia Union</a><br>And here are the questions Orlando asked us.</p>
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<p><b>MLS News</b></p>
<p><a href="http://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2016/10/15/playoff-scenarios-postseason-field-could-be-finalized-week-33">Playoff Scenarios: Postseason field could be finalized in Week 33 </a><br>Here's all the ways the playoff spots could be clinched today.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.goal.com/en-us/news/66/united-states/2016/10/14/28419532/mls-week-32-preview-tv-schedule?ICID=SP">MLS Week 32 preview, TV schedule</a><br>The MLS home stretch is in full swing, with each conference arranging simultaneous kickoffs for Sunday's packed slate of matches.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.goal.com/en-us/news/66/united-states/2016/10/15/28511222/mls-talking-points-union-look-to-end-playoff-drought-timbers?ICID=SP_HN_1">MLS Talking Points: Union look to end playoff drought, Timbers fight for survival, and more</a><br>Philadelphia can end a five-year playoff drought with a victory Sunday, while the reigning MLS Cup champions need a win to stay alive in the playoff hunt.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2016/oct/15/bradley-wright-phillips-david-villa-most-valuable-player">Bradley Wright-Phillips, David Villa in two-horse race for Most Valuable Player</a><br>The list of MLS Most Valuable Player award winners is one of the most diverse in sports and this year’s two-horse race is no exception.</p>
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<p><b>Rest of the World News</b></p>
<p><a href="http://www.espnfc.us/english-premier-league/story/2972628/man-city-held-by-everton-arsenal-beat-swansea-chelsea-ease-past-leicester">Man City held by Everton Arsenal beat Swansea Chelsea ease past Leicester</a><br><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://bitterandblue.sbnation.com/">Manchester City</a> came from behind to draw at home to <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://royalbluemersey.sbnation.com/">Everton</a> but missed two penalties, while <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://theshortfuse.sbnation.com/">Arsenal</a> beat Swansea and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://weaintgotnohistory.sbnation.com/">Chelsea</a> defeated Leicester.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.espnfc.us/spanish-primera-division/story/2972653/la-liga-barcelona-ease-past-deportivo-la-coruna-as-atletico-rally-for-7">Barcelona ease past Deportivo La Coruna as Atletico rally for 7</a><br><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.barcablaugranes.com/">Barcelona</a> recorded a comfortable victory over Deportivo La Coruna while <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/la-liga/teams/sevilla">Sevilla</a> maintained their fine start with a dramatic win over Leganes.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.espnfc.us/german-bundesliga/story/2972654/bundesliga-bayern-munich-held-by-10-man-eintracht-frankfurt">Bayern Munich held by 10-man Eintracht Frankfurt</a><br><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.bavarianfootballworks.com/">Bayern Munich</a> were held to a 2-2 draw away to 10-man <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/bundesliga/teams/eintracht-frankfurt">Eintracht Frankfurt</a> on Saturday.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.espnfc.us/italian-serie-a/story/2973619/serie-a-juventus-win-to-widen-lead-atop-serie-a-while-roma-beat-napoli">Juventus win to widen lead atop Serie A while Roma beat Napoli</a><br><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.blackwhitereadallover.com/">Juventus</a> extended their lead at the summit of Serie A to five points with a 2-1 win at home to <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/serie-a/teams/udinese">Udinese</a> on Saturday.</p>
https://www.brotherlygame.com/2016/10/16/13296014/brotherly-game-daily-links-10-16-16Alex Klein2016-10-15T10:00:03-04:002016-10-15T10:00:03-04:00Four questions with The Mane Land
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<p>We spoke with Michael Citro of <em>The Mane Land</em>, SB Nation’s Orlando City blog, about the upcoming match between OCSC and the Union (and how they made out with Hurricane Matthew). </p> <p id="P0lLNx"><em><strong>Brotherly Game</strong></em><strong>) How did you and your writers fare during Hurricane Matthew? We hope everyone is safe and accounted for. </strong></p>
<p id="CDDMVB"><strong>Michael Citro, </strong><em><strong>The Mane Land</strong></em><strong>)</strong> Well, first of all, thanks for asking. Most of us came through with nothing worse than debris in our yard to clean up, but a few of our writers lost power for anywhere from several hours to several days. Our staff living on the coast got the worst of it, of course, but I think everyone was back to normal by Monday or Tuesday. We got maximum winds of around 60 mph where I live and our neighborhood got nothing worse than some debris, the sign out front was half gone, and a couple of trees and street signs were leaning at about 45-degree angles.</p>
<p id="91S6J6"> Mother Nature is undefeated and even if the storm is out off the coast, it pays to be smart and safe and stay indoors. We were lucky enough not to lose power, so Friday was a great day to clear shows off the DVR while we rode out the wind and rain.</p>
<p id="oSaHlx"><em><strong>tBG</strong></em><strong>) With </strong><a href="https://www.themaneland.com/"><strong>Orlando City</strong></a><strong> formally eliminated from the playoffs, give us a sense of who you think is playing for a position next year and who might mail it in for the last two matches. </strong></p>
<p id="3nVx4N"><em><strong>TML</strong></em><strong>)</strong> I think everyone is playing for a position next year with the possible exceptions of Kaká and <span>Joe Bendik</span>. Jason Kreis has had a dozen games to assess the players he has and the club has mostly been healthy, so I believe he has a sense of what kind of skill sets everyone has. But he’s also looking for the right kind of attitude, and if players are going through the motions in these final two contests, they’re probably not going to be long for this team. Because Kreis came out and said as much this week in the media, I don’t expect anyone to mail it in, but you really never know. There may be some guys unhappy with their situation that we aren’t aware of, who could potentially not care that Kreis will be watching for effort the next two Sundays. The players on the back line have the most to prove, in my opinion.</p>
<p id="jXbWSz"><em> </em><em><strong>tBG</strong></em><strong>) Would you judge this season as a success for Orlando? Why or why not? </strong></p>
<p id="Gt3baB"><em><strong>TML</strong></em><strong>)</strong> There’s no question this was an unsuccessful season, because the team is out of playoff contention in a weak conference with two games to play. Any time you fire your coach in the middle of the year, things are not going well. This is an organization with “defy expectations” as a motto and a mantra. Missing the playoffs in the team’s first two seasons in MLS is not defying expectations, it’s meeting them.</p>
<p id="MCJ4CC"> No one expects expansion teams to make the playoffs early in their run, but our fellow 2015 newbies from New York City have managed it in their second season, so a lot of Orlando City fans (including us) are pretty salty about that, especially since the Lions have such a good record against them. This team has just seven wins all season long and two are against <a href="https://www.hudsonriverblue.com/">New York City FC</a>. Four of them are against teams currently above the red line in the Eastern Conference. The Lions have shown they can beat these teams, but not with the consistency needed to stand among them at the end of the year. That’s disappointing, as are the two draws against Chicago and the myriad of dropped points. Wins become draws (14 of them!) and draws become losses, such as against Toronto a few weeks ago. There’s really not much to feel good about after a season like that.</p>
<p id="YXvl0D"><em><strong>tBG</strong></em><strong>) What are you expecting to see from Orlando these last two matches? Experimenting with lineups and tactics? Perhaps playing some of the guys on the bubble of coming back next season? </strong></p>
<p id="58jdgK"><em><strong>TML</strong></em><strong>)</strong> I would expect to see some combinations maybe we haven’t seen before and perhaps a bit of playing time for some of the guys who weren’t utilized as much in 2016. Jason Kreis has seen most of his regulars enough to evaluate them but perhaps there are guys like <span>Tommy Redding</span>, <span>Cristian Higuita</span>, <span>Rafael Ramos</span> and others who haven’t played much recently — whether due to injury or coaching decisions — who could see more of the field. Kreis tried a 4-4-2 diamond against Toronto that didn’t work as well as he’d like and we could see him go back to that again, in anticipation of a tactical overhaul for next year. The problem with Orlando City playing with two strikers is a lack of depth at the position.</p>
<p id="LB01Ez"> <strong>Injuries, suspensions, etc.:</strong> Center back <span>David Mateos</span> is out with an MCL tear. <span>Brek Shea</span> has been banged up but is expected to back to full strength by the weekend although he hasn’t been starting much of late.</p>
<p id="SRBSa6"> <strong>Predicted lineup:</strong> It’s difficult to know what Kreis will do with these last two matches but I’ll go with more of a usual lineup with the caveat that this could be completely wrong and no one should wager on this prediction: Joe Bendik; <span>Luke Boden</span>, <span>Seb Hines</span>, <span>Jose Aja</span>, <span>Kevin Alston</span>; <span>Antonio Nocerino</span>, <span>Servando Carrasco</span>; <span>Kevin Molino</span>, Kaká, <span>Matias Perez Garcia</span>; <span>Cyle Larin</span>.</p>
<p id="GWKBhG"><em><a href="http://www.themaneland.com/2016/10/15/13284802/intelligence-report-orlando-city-at-philadelphia-union-round-3">For our three questions exchange with </a></em><a href="http://www.themaneland.com/2016/10/15/13284802/intelligence-report-orlando-city-at-philadelphia-union-round-3">The Mane Land</a><em><a href="http://www.themaneland.com/2016/10/15/13284802/intelligence-report-orlando-city-at-philadelphia-union-round-3">, go here.</a></em></p>
https://www.brotherlygame.com/2016/10/15/13280870/match-preview-philadelphia-union-orlando-city-the-mane-landEugene Rupinski2016-10-14T10:00:05-04:002016-10-14T10:00:05-04:00Match preview: Philadelphia Union vs. Orlando City SC
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<img alt="The Philadelphia Union’s Tranquillo Barnetta hits a free kick against Orlando City SC at Talen Energy Stadium." src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/ruuzowWIGjB3znx8oWZv94BbfSY=/852x0:5916x3376/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/51349795/26224815302_d71c11dcbd_o.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Trey Madara / <em>Brotherly Game</em></figcaption>
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<p>This match could define the Philadelphia Union’s season.</p> <p id="UHKDW2"><strong>Game:</strong> <a href="https://www.brotherlygame.com/">Philadelphia Union</a> vs. <a href="https://www.themaneland.com/">Orlando City</a> SC</p>
<p id="jIRPqE"><strong>Date:</strong> Sunday, October 16th</p>
<p id="5IUQSC"><strong>Time:</strong> 3:00 PM EDT (7:00 PM GMT)</p>
<p id="o7AucK"><strong>Venue:</strong> Talen Energy Stadium (Chester, Pennsylvania)</p>
<p id="ivin6z"><strong>Referees:</strong> REF: Ricardo Salazar, AR1: Andrew Bigelow, AR2: Jeffrey Greeson, 4TH: Jorge Gonzalez</p>
<p id="4zbJTS"><strong>Television:</strong> The Comcast Network (Philadelphia), TV27 (Orlando), DirecTV 472</p>
<p id="ITrWCv"><strong>Streaming:</strong> MLS Live</p>
<p id="SuDSbu"><strong>All-time record:</strong> The Union have won twice and the teams have drawn twice as well. The last match between the two in May was a fiery 2-2 affair that saw seven cards given out, including a red card to <span>David Mateos</span> for a hard foul on <span>Fabian Herbers</span> in extra time.</p>
<p id="9XaHrj"><strong>What the Philadelphia Union will look like:</strong> The Union should be well-rested and well-prepared after the international break. <span>Alejandro Bedoya</span> did not play for the United States due to a rib injury, however <span>Jim Curtin</span> said in yesterday’s press conference that he expected Ale to be available on Sunday. Andre Blake played once for Jamaica, and <span>Warren Creavalle</span> played twice for Guyana during the break, with <a href="http://www.brotherlygame.com/2016/10/13/13253170/match-recap-jamaica-triumphs-over-guyana-4-2">Blake and Creavalle facing one another on Tuesday night</a>. <span>Josh Yaro</span> is listed as out with a concussion on the MLS website, however Curtin said in the presser that he was taking the final tests in the concussion protocol to be cleared to play. With Creavalle coming back from international play and travel, it might be the opportune time to have <span>Maurice Edu</span> inserted back into the lineup. It’s been almost 400 days since Edu played a match for the Union, and getting him back in time for a (possible) playoff run would be a huge lift for the club. Aside from that, the rest of the squad should be ready to go.</p>
<p id="K3ktJe"><strong>What Orlando City will look like:</strong> Who knows. When a team is out of the playoff race and playing out the season, there’s no real way to predict how the players will react. Some may decide to mail it in and collect their remaining paychecks, looking toward next season’s promise. Others may want to play spoiler, trying to take the other team down with them, or are looking to secure a position in next year’s squad. One thing is certain - any team with Kaka and <span>Cyle Larin</span> should not be taken lightly. The Union defense will have a tall task on Sunday. They can’t allow Kaka to work in space off of the ball, nor can they let Larin lull them to sleep only to slip between a gap unabated.</p>
<p id="5YIbIH"><strong>What to expect:</strong> I expect both teams to come out hungry, and if the Union can get an early goal they should be able to really play off of the home crowd and demoralize Orlando. If Orlando scores early, I think that will give them confidence and could make for a tough afternoon for the home side. Look for Orlando to switch the ball with long diagonal passes designed to force the Union to chase laterally and lose offensive players. Look for the Union to really press Orlando and look for turnovers to spur breaks downfield with numbers. It should be a fun game, one worthy of leading into the playoffs.</p>
https://www.brotherlygame.com/2016/10/14/13280270/match-preview-philadelphia-union-orlando-city-sc-time-how-to-watch-online-streamingEugene Rupinski2016-10-14T09:00:03-04:002016-10-14T09:00:03-04:00Union Playoff Scenarios With Two Games Left
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<img alt="New England Revolution v Philadelphia Union" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/2aqVAjnUKJOAr-l0fxZDUBjBJUA=/442x130:1783x1024/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/51348407/516737694.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Drew Hallowell/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Win, lose, or draw here are the outcomes from this penultimate week of regular season games.</p> <p id="BFqv0y">A month and a half of not winning has brought us to this point. From competing for the conference’s top spot, to piecing together every hypothetical situation to try to figure out how we can hold on to the club’s second ever playoff appearance.</p>
<p id="NDZbWq">Regardless of what has happened in the last month or two, here are the scenarios for this weekend:</p>
<ul id="TNrXRm"><li><strong>Union win!</strong></li></ul>
<p id="zvX2cT">Hooray! Everything is right in the world again. The Union move to 45 points, leaving Columbus too far adrift to catch us and only a nearly impossible scenario where New England ties the Union on points and makes up more than 12 goals in goal differential in the last two weeks. The playoffs wouldn’t mathematically be in the bag, but by every logical thought, we would be in.</p>
<p id="BAtAM9">The question would become where do the playoff seedings shakeout. Montreal holds the last home spot for the “play-in” games and has a tough schedule with Toronto visiting while trying to keep pace at the top of the conference and then visiting New England who is still chasing a playoff spot. DC can still finish above the Union, but they have a tough game this weekend against NYC who will want to stay ahead of their New Jersey rivals at the very top of the East. </p>
<p id="R0127N">A win and the Union likely would be back in the hosting position for the play-in games and control their own destiny with their matchup with Red Bull as a possible statement game to ruin our New Jersey rivals chances at winning the East and showing that the losing ways are behind us and we’re ready to take on anyone in the playoffs!</p>
<ul id="2hA6KG"><li><strong>Union draw!</strong></li></ul>
<p id="UYljZ1">Well, it could be worse, but the out of town scores all of a sudden become a bit more important. If New England (@ Chicago) and Columbus (@ New Jersey) win their games both teams will be within striking distance on the last game day. The Union will be at risk of finishing in as low as 8th in the East.</p>
<p id="PYVRUL">The good news is that both New England and Columbus have equally tough games in their season finales as well. Columbus heads to New York City while New England hosts Montreal. Union fans would have to be glued to that Montreal/New England score if things turn sour against Red Bull. More good news is that even with a draw, the Union should still be within striking distance of that last hosting spot in the play-in round if Toronto and NYC take care of their business.</p>
<ul id="5wlaXB"><li><strong>Union lose!</strong></li></ul>
<p id="25Pobr">At this point Jim Curtin is sitting in a press conference with flames all around him assuring the assembled media “I’m fine.” It is very likely in this scenario that going into the season finale that New England is level on points with the Union and it is all to play for in the last weekend. Relying on Red Bull for points is never a good idea, but we would need to make sure we at least match New England’s result against Montreal, if not beat it.</p>
<p id="kXQlV9">The one piece of good news is that once again Montreal and DC would not be favorites in their game this week, so even with a Union lose, we’re still in striking distance of that home play-in round playoff game. That most likely would be the positive heading in to the final week that Curtin & Co point to as their goal to play for against Red Bull.</p>
<ul id="nls6gP"><li><strong>Bonus Scenario: None of it matters!</strong></li></ul>
<p id="LgbfqX">Of course, all of these scenarios come in to play if New England and Columbus keep winning. If Chicago pulls off an upset and Columbus drops both of their last games, it doesn’t matter what the Union do, they make the playoffs. Winning early in the season allows for this luxury. Even though there are tense moments, the Union are at least in the right position and looking to hold on, rather than hoping other games break in our favor even if we win.</p>
https://www.brotherlygame.com/2016/10/14/13268512/union-playoff-scenarios-with-two-games-leftAndrew Stoltzfus