Scouting report: Philadelphia Union
PLAYOFF ROAD RUNS THROUGH PHILLY
Following a dominant 4-1 home performance against Real Salt Lake on September 24, D.C. United (9-8-11, 38 points) turns its attention to its closest regional rival on Thursday night. Only 120 miles separate RFK Stadium from PPL Park – home of the Philadelphia Union (9-7-13, 40 points) – and United will push for a full three points in this nationally televised fixture (8:00 p.m. ET/ESPN2).
With only six games remaining in the 2011 MLS regular season for the Black-and-Red, Thursday’s match between these Eastern Conference rivals will play a crucial role in United’s postseason ambitions. A win would not only vault United directly over Philadelphia, but it would carry the Black-and-Red into the postseason picture. Prior to Thursday’s contest, United is one point outside of the final 2011 MLS Cup Playoff position, behind the New York Red Bulls (39 points). Philadelphia currently occupies the third of four postseason wild card slots on 40 points.
"It's a big, big game," said veteran midfielder Clyde Simms following Monday's training session at RFK Stadium. "These two teams know each other well, there is a lot of familiarity between the players and coaching staffs - it's going to be intense from the first minute because there is a lot on the line."
THE TIES THAT BIND
Simms' reference towards the familiarity between these sides is accurate. Philadelphia is led by former United Head Coach Peter Nowak. The 47-year-old manager took the helm at United in 2004, defeating Kansas City 3-2 in his first season to give the Black-and-Red a fourth MLS Cup championship. In three years with United, Nowak posted a 42-27-25 overall record, including a Supporters Shield triumph in 2006 for the best record in MLS (15-7-10).
"I love coming at Peter [Nowak]," continues Simms. "He knows us and the veterans here know him - it's going to be a grind for 90 minutes."
United Assistant Coach Chad Ashton agrees. "With Peter you know exactly what you are going to get. It's going to be physical out there, and we are going to have to work in order to get the type of result we expect."
Nowak is joined by former D.C. United players Josh Gros and Alecko Eskandarian on the Union’s technical staff, with the latter serving as Youth Technical Director. On the field, Brian Carroll spent five seasons with United between 2003 and 2007 and appeared in 121 games (106 starts).
Philadelphia recently acquired another member of the Black-and-Red, as former United teenage sensation Freddy Adu joined the Union on August 12 on a free transfer from Benfica of the Portuguese First Division. Adu signed with United at the age of 14 as the first overall selection in the 2004 MLS SuperDraft. Adu recorded 11 goals and 17 assists in 87 appearances for United.
I-95 RIVALRY RESUMES
Though Philadelphia is only in its second year of existence, the rivalry between the Union and United feels much older due to the many coaching and player ties between the two clubs. United and Philadelphia played to a 2-2 at RFK Stadium earlier this year on July 2, with Dwayne De Rosario making his mid-season Black-and-Red debut. De Rosario had an assist in his opening match for United, with Josh Wolff and Andy Najar doing the scoring.
D.C. and Philadelphia split the season series in 2010, with United winning 2-0 at RFK Stadium on August 22. The victory marked Ben Olsen’s first career win as an Interim Head Coach after taking the reins from Curt Onalfo. Danny Alsopp tallied goals in the 22nd and 63rd minutes to lead the Black-and-Red. The I-95 rivals also played a thrilling match earlier this season on April 6, as United defeated the Union 2-2 (4-2 PK’s) in a U.S. Open Cup qualifying game.
UNITED’S PPL PARK DEBUT
Though Philadelphia hosted D.C. United in its first ever MLS contest on April 10, 2010, the two teams did not meet in the Union’s usual home venue. PPL Park was not ready at that point in Philadelphia’s inaugural campaign, so the teams faced off at Lincoln Financial Field.
Thursday’s nationally televised contest will be United’s first trip to the 18,500-seat MLS venue. The Black-and-Red will aim to earn their first victory in Philadelphia, having lost a 3-2 thriller at the Union last season.
ROAD WARRIORS
D.C. United is the only team in MLS with more road wins than home victories in 2011. The Black-and-Red have been the class of the Eastern Conference in road games, going 5-5-4 (19 points) in 2011. United has dominated its opposition in defense, securing four shutouts in this span.
Additionally, United is the only Eastern Conference side with a winning record on the road, and with away bouts against postseason rivals Philadelphia and Columbus this week, the club will need to boost this form in the chase for the MLS Cup Playoffs.
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