Philadelphia Union vs. Atlanta United Talen Energy Stadium – Chester August 31 – 7:30 PM ET Fox Sports Southeast MLSsoccer.com preview here. ATLUTD.com preview here. Philly Union preview here. AJC.com United page here. No rest for the weary as the Five Stripes play their 8th game of August this Saturday, and it's one they can't dismiss because it will go a long way to determine the playoff seeding atop the Eastern Conference. Current #1 visits current #2, with both Atlanta and Philly wanting home field advantage throughout the Conference playoffs. Philly is the surprise of the Conference, less because they're better than last season but because they've stayed at or near the top of the standings throughout the season. Any predicted fade or "return to normalcy" hasn't happened yet as the Fighting Franklins seek their first post-season home game and first playoff victory. The home part might be critical because like Atlanta they're a different team on the road: The Union are 9-2-3 at home but 5-6-3 while sleeping in hotels. The Union's key to success this season has been scoring in bunches. At Talen Energy Stadium they're averaging 2.2 goals per game and have scored 3 or more goals on 5 occasions. They haven't lost at home in their last 6 matches. Kacper Przybylko leads the team with 12 goals but their strength lies in the midfield lead by Ilsinho, Fabrice Picault, and Ale Bedoya. Philly have been able to control games in much better fashion compared to last season and give their tactics time to succeed. At least offensively. Jamiro Monteiro has also chipped in well with 8 assists in 20 appearances. They're able to play a patient style, work the width of the field, and find their opportunities for a good clean shot. Their Achilles has been a defense just as prone to allowing goals in bunches, allowing 1.6 per game overall. As a result they seek to score early and then dictate the flow of the match as their opponents become more desperate. Atlanta is, as most of us know, riding high. Holding out against MNUFC they claimed another trophy. Most importantly they showed both focus and determination in rebounding from last Friday's abysmal showing in Orlando to at least provide 45+10 minutes of the team we were all raving about 9 days ago. The Stripes' first half, in particular, was a clinic in offensive aggression and nous that saw nearly every player on point. The 2-nil lead half-time lead failed to reflect the disparity between the sides to that point. Now Atlanta needs to show that fight for a full 90 (or much closer to it) and do so in hostile territory. If they can recapture the magic seen in Portland a couple weeks ago that could suffice. But the defensive focus will need to be sharp and Atlanta can't continue to allow opposing ball handlers the time and space that we saw in the 2nd half vs Minnesota or it's safe to say Philly will get their goals. For this reason I'd start Escobar instead of Pogba if the former is healthy. Further, Roberson (AJC) is reporting Barco is expected to miss the match, so expect Villalba or Hyndman to start. My heart says 2-1 Atlanta. My head says 2-2. My hand says my drink glass is empty. Let's go Stripes!
Barco looks to be out for this one. https://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2019...out-atlanta-united-against-philadelphia-union
You know MLS has caught some flak for fears of excessive expansion but with the onset of American football season I'm reminded how much I've always longed for the day when soccer in the US could have the real gameday feel with a lot of games on offer and lots of storylines to be had. Where you can wake up and be enthused about match-ups even if they're not involving your team! Where even though not everyone is following along enough of us around the country were all-in and we could enjoy our own world. Well guess what? It's gameday, meatbags! Let's do this!
Hyndman and Perreira in for Barco and Meram. We knew Barco wouldn't play and stands to reason Meram could use a rest. Justin could come off the bench later. What caught my eye was Larentowicz and Remedi on at the same time, with the latter playing defense while Escobar continues his recuperation.
I wonder what Villalba did to get in FdB's doghouse. He's not a winger, really, but he's got to bring more to the pitch than Pereira at pretty much any position.
10' and Philly hits the crossbar. The opportunity a result of the Stripes' defense getting lazy in the clearance.
Philly pressing higher than I was expecting, possibly a response to the defensive-oriented line up Atlanta is playing?
27' Atlanta's attacks aren't featuring as many bodies as we'd like. 2 golden chances for Josef but both off set pieces.
Przybylko goal called back due to offside. Atlanta gets lucky their lackluster defending didn't cost them there.
I can’t find the game... bullshit ass espn+ has it blocked out and YouTube TV is playing some bootleg college team.
Josef MartIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIINEEEEEEEEZ finds the circle button and taps it home! There was a stream on YouTube earlier. If not, go to rojadire dot com (bring your ad blockers).