Who: DC United vs Philadelphia Union
what: MLS Regular Season Round 12
where: Audi Field, Washington DC
when: Saturday, May 4th, 7:30pm ET
clock: Apple TV – Free
Whistle: undecided
May MLS be with you, Doopers.
The Philadelphia Union's “sunny” home run will be interrupted by a trip to the nation's capital to take on D.C. United on Saturday night. DC United played one more game than the Boys in Blue and suffered one more defeat. Otherwise, both teams have had eerily similar starts to the season.
Scouting Report: DC United
Troy Resene and Allie McKay, one of the league's youngest manager/chief soccer officer duo, give DC a new up-tempo approach that makes the black and red look refreshing and dangerous.
However, teams often push hard on the field, which can give them easy chances on the counter-attack if the press is not successful. Christian Benteke has proven to be an integral part of the team, but no one else in the team seems to be able to score.
Will the Black and Red be able to achieve consecutive wins after a week's rest? It won't be easy, as D.C. United has only won once against Philadelphia since the 2016 season, but their chances of gaining momentum are increasing.
Injury report: William Connor Antley (injured), Theodore Cu-DiPietro (injured), Russell Canus (injured)
Scouting Report: Philadelphia Union
Nearly a third of the way through the season, the Philadelphia Union seems to be creating more questions than it answers about their play. But Curtin's side have a chance to change the momentum after suffering an improbable second successive defeat at home.
Reversals have been common for this year's Union national team, but Coach Curtin emphasized that he doesn't want this trend to continue, saying, “Following a reversal is very mentally and physically draining.” did.
Philadelphia sits in the middle of the Eastern Conference at 3-2-4, one spot above D.C. United.
Injury report: Nick Pagliano (injured), Holden Trent (injured), Isaiah Conrad McNeil LeFlore (injured).
Matchup to watch: Christian Benteke vs. Philadelphia Defense
Christian Benteke scored two goals against the Seattle Sounders and will lead DC United into their match against the Philadelphia Union. He could cause problems throughout the game as the Philadelphia Union's defense is playing uncharacteristically erratic.
Player to watch: Quinn Sullivan
Sullivan has arguably become the Union's most essential player this year. Sullivan has started every game for Philadelphia this season, able to generate the amount of work Curtin needs from the press and provide moments of creative brilliance on offense.
Prediction: DC United 1 – 2 Philadelphia Union
It's a tough battle at Audi Field, but the Alliance uses its power to protect the future of the galaxy. Look for Christian Benteke to score DC United's only goal.
