PBP: 2018 Match Day #30: Union v. Sporting Kansas City, September 23, 2018 p/d/p

Back to my usual self. The Union aren't fun anymore.

 

No one predicting a win...

 

Late. Season. Collapse.

Is it really a collapse if you're losing to teams everyone expects you to lose to anyway? More like, late season reversion to the mean of sub-mediocrity.

 

Not feeling confident about this one after that craptastic performance against Montreal. I'd be happy with a point from this one.

 

Mark Geiger will be the man in middle.

Combined with Peter Vermes on the sideline, there is a good chance this game gets out of control and lots of cards are handed out.

 

Well, if Curtin won't rest players maybe the DisCo is our best bet.

 

Where is the "???????????????????" option?

I have no idea what to expect now... I'll go with heavy rotation and a they pull out a tie at home.


It won't happen, but I would have no issue with:

Simpson or the Polish dude
Accam - Fontana - Herbers
Jones - Crevelle
Fabi - McKenzie - Marquez - Mbaizo
Helmet


​

SKC is a really good team... even with a full strength squad our odds are probably low. Punt, and hope they pull off something special. All eyes on the cup.

 

Trusty and McKenzie will start. Dockal will start and likely be subbed at half. Would be surprised if Rosenberry isn’t starting given Ray’s injury/knock. Simpson starting wouldn’t be surprising. I would think Accam and Herbs on the wings.

Does Jim give Blake a rest?

 

I don't hate that idea with Dockal, as long as he's yanked by the 60th at latest, I can deal with that. I really doubt Jim rest's blake. Won't push Ray with an ankle tweak... forward, I wouldn't be shocked to see CJ start up top.



I think this is realistically what Jim trots out:

Sapong
Accam - Dockal- Herbers
Jones - Haris/Bedoya
Fabi - McKenzie - Trusty - Keegan
Blake

​

Although, Bedoya could definitely be in the mix too...

 

I’m going with a 1-1 tie in front of 50 people.

 

​

I wouldn't play Helmet. He needs to be well rested for when it goes to penalties on Wednesday.

 

If we save one of our 3 subs 120 minutes for him to take the pentalties given how hot it will be down in Houston, we deserve to lose and Curtin should be fired and the spot.

Anyone know if the USOC is being played under the new FIFA rules where you get a 4th sub if the game goes to extra time?

 

I put two of my seats on Stubhub and they sold within minutes. Some people want to go. . .

 

A playoff spot is far from certain and Curtin has the chance to put up best-ever numbers for the regular season. That would be a powerful argument for him keeping his job. I predict less rotation than we would like.

Not looking forward to what Vermes' thugball will do to our players.

 

Not to mention it’s Wentz’s return game.

 

Anyone going to the Open Practice tomorrow? It should be obvious who Sunday's starters will be.

Elliott is out with a red card, Gaddis left the game with an injury and Real was listed as out last week with an injury. They could go Marquez-McKenzie-Mbaizo in the back but they would need to start Fabinho as well unless they wanted to get Yaro in there as well somehow.

I wonder whether we will be sworn to secrecy. Hackworth used to make that request.

 

Not sure you've been watching any SKC games this year. This is not your older brother's SKC style of play.

2018 Stats
Fouls Committed
PHI 351
SKC 307

Yellow Cards
PHI 43
SKC 35

Red Cards
PHI 4
SKC 1

By the way, I am totally rooting for you guys to win the Cup. Mostly because we hate Houston, but also because I think you deserve it with your play this year. Good luck!

 

I don't think he was talking about this season's stats. They've historically played dirty or just extra physically in our house. I don't know if they always play that way on the road but it's not about yellow cards.

 

Appreciate the response, and no I haven't really seen them much this year. Regardless of style, you have to respect what Vermes has achieved over the years without big name players.