The defensive depth of the Black-and-Red and the Philadelphia Union may play a major role Saturday night as both sides’ attacks will be pressing to earn their first win of the season. With numerous options for their back-four lineups, both United and the Union will attempt to piece together the strongest back line possible in their push to secure three points.
Captain Steve Birnbaum has developed into the anchor of the Black-and-Red defense with his ability to stifle offensive buildups and direct the defense, taking primary responsibility over maintaining the back line’s organization and composure in the face of opposing attacks. With the threat of standout Union forward CJ Sapong looming (Sapong has netted a brace in each of the Union’s previous two matches), Birnbaum will need to remain disciplined in the center in order to prevent any Philadelphia penetration through the Black-and-Red’s back line.
Veterans Sean Franklin and Bobby Boswell both pair well with Birnbaum in the center of United’s defense, bringing a combined 21 years of Major League Soccer experience to the table. On the left side, Taylor Kemp has grown into one one of the Black-and-Red’s most reliable and durable defenders, remaining stingy against even the league’s flashiest right wings. Versatile Nick DeLeon can also feature in the back line or the midfield, while fourth-year defender Kofi Opare and Canada Men’s National Team member Max Tissot give coach Ben Olsen additional combination opportunities in the defensive third.
The Union roster also features a deep defensive arsenal that can be arranged in a multitude of ways to manage the hungry Black-and-Red attack. Richie Marquez and Oguchi Onyewu have remained steady in the center of Philadelphia’s back line, cementing themselves as the Union’s first choices for the central roles. Marquez broke into Philadelphia’s starting lineup in 2015 and quickly proved himself with his stalwart presence, and while 2017 is Onyewu’s first season in Major League Soccer, the 34-year-old has already impressed the Union coaching staff with his size and tackling ability.
Twenty-three-year-old Keegan Rosenberry will most likely match up with Patrick Nyarko on the right side, while the experienced Fabinho typically starts in Philadelphia’s back left slot. The Union, like United, also have plenty of other defensive options to leverage, though. Veteran Raymon Gaddis has logged more than 10,000 playing minutes in Philadelphia’s back line over the last five years, while 24-year-old Ken Tribbett and U-20 Men’s National Team member Auston Trusty offer Philadelphia coach Jim Curtin plenty of youthful energy coming off of the bench.
