Preview: Kindercare vs. Swiss Cheese

By: Winslow Homer | April 9th, 2010

mls_pa-union_021310_a_581-web
Saturday, April 10th, 2010
Lincoln Financial Field
Philadelphia, PA

Tomorrow, The Union take on United at the Linc and we’re hoping for a Seattlesque showing with nearly 30,000 fans in the stands. (Note: Seatlesque showing minus all the complaining and crying of course. Philadelphians actually understand the sports they support).

I have no idea what we’re going to play like, haha.

United looks horrible. After getting hammered by KC, New England dropped them last week. They haven’t scored a goal in two games and gave up 6 so far. By all accounts we should be able to find the net against them, hopefully often. Will that happen, or will our young guys clam up in front of the big lights of the Linc?

Lineups
This is going to be tough for both teams…I can give probables but Nowak hasn’t committed to anything yet and as we saw in game 1 he’s prone to the crazies in terms of positioning.

Union
–Seitz–
–Orozco –Califf–Thomas–Arrieta
–Miglioranzi–Torres–Moreno–Fred
–Le Toux–McInerney

Now, this is the “probable” lineup. If, in fact, these players end up on the field when the ball drops they might not be in those positions. Nowak seems committed to 4-4-2, so that much is for sure; I think. Then again he could go 3-5-2 and put more focus on the midfield. Arrieta’s been signed so he’ll most likely get the start with Harvey questionable with a left knee strain. Unless he plays horrendous, (which seems unlikely), I think he’ll start anyway regardless of Harvey’s health and I expect him to have the right side pretty well shut down. Guy has some skills. I’m also pretty hyped about McInerney and it would be fantastic if the Ole’ Pole gives Union Jack the start. I think the combo of him and Torres might be the begining of something special for us in the years to come.

United
–Perkins–
–Talley–Jakovic–Peña–Wallace–
–Barklage–Morsnik–Quaranta–Castillo–
–Moreno–Pontius–

Moreno and Pontius were predicted to give the MLS some serious problems this year. Thus far they’ve done a whole lotta zip. Still, their collective playmaking potential will be a test for our defense. Perkins will hopefully continue is crappy play and let some goals by.

Deja vu

United’s familiarity with Union’s faces has been talked up quiet a bit before the match. Fred and Nowak were quite successful in DC. There’s also been some talk of animosity between both and their old team. I think that’s just chatter to add something to the game and they’ve probably moved on. There’s so much work to be done here, I doubt anyone has time for grudges. However, what is intriguing is news that the Union are going after Emilio. (They’ve also been linked to former Galaxy MVP Carlos Ruiz). United still owns Emilo’s rights and haven’t been quick to relinquish them. This probably has a little to do with Union driving a hard bargain for the first spot in the Leagues allocation order when they demanded Fred as compinsation. A deal for Emilio probably isn’t going to happen till after the game…and hopefully the outcome on the field doesn’t sway United’s front office towards not giving him up to us. He’d give us a proven threat up top but his arrival, (or Ruiz’s), could come with a significant cut in playing time for our young strikers; namely Mwanga and McInerney. That would be unfortunate.

Prediction 2-1 Union. I think we’ll get our first win after all is said and done. I’m looking for goals from Le Toux and Union Jack and one from Moreno for United.

Let’s go UUUNNNIIOOON!!!!!

Category: Union News

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Preview: Kindercare vs. Swiss Cheese

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