MLS weekend Match to Watch: D.C. United at Philadelphia Union

Friday, 09 April 10, 07:21 AM · Comments (0)

In a full weekend slate in MLS -- a welcome relief -- one game stands out above the rest. A Mid-Atlantic rivalry will be born, when the new Philadelphia Union host their first-ever game against nearby D.C. United.

A crowd of more than 30,000+ is expected at Lincoln Financial Field, the temporary home of the Union as they await the completion of PPL Park. Whether that is going to be enough to drive Philadelphia to a win remains to be seen.

1. Lack of goals. In three games, the two sides have combined for no goals. That's obviously a huge concern for both Peter Nowak and Curt Onalfo. Australian signing Danny Allsopp needs to get some more time on the pitch, as the tired legs of Jaime Moreno don't look up the task for 90 minutes on a weekly basis. First goal in this one could be huge.

2. Former United players (and a coach) very much in the mix. Peter Nowak, Fred and Andrew Jacobson. All three have ties to D.C., and all three would certainly love to get one over on their old club. Fred stands poised to play the biggest role -- the Union lacked a creative spark in the midfield, and it'd be shocking to see him absent from the starting lineup. The often maligned Brazilian could certainly be a difference-maker Saturday night.

3. Can United get their season back on track? Two games, no goals scored, and a team still in transition. That best describes D.C., and their trip up I-95 is perhaps the most important yet. While Philadelphia will be fired up by a raucous home crowd, though United remains the more talented side. Peter Nowak is no stranger to coaching in MLS, and his tactical knowledge will come in handy when the two sides face each other. A loss to D.C. would be another blow in what has been a sputtering start to 2010.

4. Who are the Union? With only one game under their belt, it's difficult to accurately gauge Philadelphia. They came out with a rather thuggish style against Seattle, and D.C. will certainly be expecting the same kind of treatment.

Weekend Predictions: D.C. United 0, Philadelphia 0; New York 1, Chivas USA 1; New England 2, Toronto 0; Kansas City 3, Colorado 1; Houston 2, Los Angeles 2; Chicago 3, San Jose 1; Real Salt Lake 3, Seattle 2; Columbus 2, FC Dallas 1

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MLS weekend Match to Watch: D.C. United at Philadelphia Union

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