PBP:Kansas Brings Challenges for Philly

May 9, 2010
JP Dellacamera

There are a lot of factors to consider as the Union head into Kansas City to face the Wizards, prior to a two week MLS break for the World Cup.

First, Philadelphia is facing a desperate team, even more desperate than Chicago was on Saturday. Kansas City is winless in their last eight MLS games, following a good start to the season when they won their first two matches. The Wizards' last win was April 10th vs Colorado.

They also play on a smaller field at CommunityAmerica Ballpark, so let’s hope they don’t play like Chicago and try to make a small field even smaller.

If they play it defensively, as Chicago surely did, then the Union must adjust in order to create scoring chances that they failed to create last Saturday. Whether it’s playing faster, taking more players on, having more patience, or bringing more players in to the attack, the Union must sort it out early and get that first goal.

The Union’s short history has taught us that if you score first, you win. If you lead at halftime, you win. If Philadelphia can get a draw or a win, they can take advantage of their two week break and get ready for a good homestand, beginning with a sold out PPL Park opener vs Seattle on June 27th.

As MLS takes a two week break for the opening round of World Cup play, I’ll be in World Cup mode beginning this Friday when South Africa kicks off the tournament vs Mexico in Group A. ESPN and their family of networks will have full coverage of this event. I will be working the radio side as the lead voice, alongside analyst Tommy Smyth on ESPN Radio and Sirius XM. Plans call for me to call matches off the monitor initially, before heading to South Africa for the quarterfinals, semifinals and the final.
 

 

I am excited, as always, about the World Cup and will make my normal prediction...Brazil will win the World Cup. The two clear favorites are Brazil and Spain. In my opinion, everyone else is at least a good shade below.
 
 
If you are looking for a dark horse to win it, let’s go with the Netherlands despite an injury to Arjen Robben. Also, look for the USA and England to advance out of Group C. Saturday’s winner, if there is one, will be in the driver's seat to win the top spot in the group.