Philadelphia Union return to the friendly confines of Talen Energy Stadium this Saturday when they host D.C. United. This is the second of three matches between the two clubs this season. After Saturday the Eastern Conference foes will meet for the third and final time in D.C. at RFK Stadium on Aug. 6.
The first meeting of the season between these two rivals came on May 20 in MLS’ first featured rivalry night match of the season. The contest was certainly a memorable one for Union fans. Richie Marquez notched his first career goal in stoppage time to secure the 1-0 victory. It was a win that Philadelphia Union head coach Jim Curtin was proud of.
“There’s a belief in the group, I think it is clear, even when it is not our best night we can win a one nothing game roll up our sleeves and fight,” Curtin said. “We can win in a lot of ways. We can win pretty, we can win when we are a little off and we can win on a restart. So, we’ve won in different ways this year. I think it’s a testament to the group.”
Since then, both clubs have been doing their best to stay in strong playoff positions in the Eastern Conference. Philadelphia sits in second place with 26 points, while United claims the fifth spot with 21 points. The Union have posted a 2-3-2 record since May 20, opposed to United’s 2-1-2 record.
D.C. United’s last road loss came to the Union at Talen Energy Stadium. A big reason for the run of strong play as of late has been the return of goalkeeper Bill Hamid. In his five starts this season he’s posted an astounding 0.60 goals against average, with three shutouts. Curtin gave his praise for Hamid.
“We look forward to DC, a team Benny (Olsen) has playing very well right now, tough to break down,” Curtin said. “Obviously, when you have Bill Hamid come back it adds a whole new element. It takes a special play to beat a goalkeeper of his quality. We have a pretty good one, too, so it’ll be a good game.”
A good game is exactly what views can expect. The last seven matches has ended in either a draw or a one goal difference. The last time a contest between these two clubs’ margin of victory with two or more was Aug. 10, 2013 when the Union handed D.C. United a 2-0 loss.
Kick-off is scheduled for 7 p.m. and will be televised on 6abc. After Saturday’s contest the Union will host New York Red Bulls Sunday on FS1.
What do you think is the key to success vs. D.C. United? Leave your comment below.
