United host their I-95 neighbors the Philadelphia Union on Saturday, May 13, at 7 PM in a rematch of the April 1 game at RFK Stadium, when Luciano Acosta and José Ortiz both scored to defeat Jim Curtin’s side 2-1.
More than a month later, the two sides, while close in geographic proximity, find themselves in different situations. The Black-and-Red come into today’s match looking to rebound from a tough loss at home against Montreal. The Union, on the other hand, are coming off of their first win of the season, a 3-0 home victory over the New York Red Bulls.
"It’s a good chance for the group and the staff to check each other and make sure that we understand that we have to all be at a certain level to succeed," head coach Ben Olsen said. "I believe this group has a response in it. We’re not in the worst spot in the table, and we just need to focus on the next two games to get the points we need.”
What has worked well for United has also been Philadelphia’s demise: attacking centrally. Specifically through Luciano Acosta and Sébastien Le Toux, Ben Olsen’s side have shown a proclivity of late for goals right through the heart of opposing defenses, especially two weeks ago in Atlanta. For Philadelphia, the center of the field and the back line have been suspect, with numerous opponents carving past central midfielders and crosses into the box causing lots of problems for central defenders. United will look to continue that trend this afternoon as they go for their third home victory.
The match also represents a close of sorts; today is the final regular season match Philadelphia will play at RFK Stadium ahead of the Black-and-Red’s move to Audi Field next year. United hold a strong record against the Union in the District (5-1-4) and will look to close out this chapter of the two sides’ history on a high note. Fans can also expect an entertaining match; while Philly haven’t beaten D.C. here since 2013, every match but one has featured at least two goals scored.
With a slightly retooled lineup over the past month because of a roster hit with injuries, Olsen has earned impressive results following the strong play of veteran Sébastien Le Toux, who scored two goals over the past three games, along with solid performances from Kofi Opare, who has partnered well with Bobby Boswell in the heart of defense since Steve Birnbaum’s concussion. Between Le Toux’s constant and relentless running and Ian Harkes, Jared Jeffrey and Acosta developing better chemistry in midfield with every match, the Black-and-Red will be a tough team to beat as we enter the middle portion of the Major League Soccer Season.
“I think it’s a team that shouldn’t be overlooked by any means," forward Patrick Mullins said. "I know they just got their first win, but I think that could have come a while back for them. They have very dangerous players, and I think CJ Sapong is playing really well right now...but it is on us to respond and be on the offensive.”
