In 2018, a big win over Montreal introduced Cory Burke to Major League Soccer audiences and jumpstarted Philly’s run to the postseason. Then a deflating home loss to the Impact cemented the narrative that Philly couldn’t beat a bunker, one that continues to follow the team even though they continue to score against deep blocks and seem to be struggling to maintain intensity with a lead rather than break down bunkers more generally.
With Remi Garde’s side acting as a major turning point in the season twice last year, this match seems as though, for better or worse, it will be viewed as an indicator of how the final third of the Union’s season will unfold. You’ll want to be tuned in when the action begins at 8:00 p.m.
Wooten it be nice
Andrew Wooten has only played a few minutes in a Union jersey, but with the Impact struggling to mark well in the box, the striker could see an extended run in this one. Wooten is coming off a 17 goal season in Germany so getting him off the mark could portend well for the closing run in 2019.
All-Star lead-in
The Union are sending Andre Blake to the All-Star match next week against Atletico Madrid, but players like Jack Elliott, Ale Bedoya, Haris Medunjanin, Ilsinho, and Jamiro Monteiro all have legit shouts at an All-Star bid. These players will have one final chance to show the league what it overlooked when they take the field Saturday.
Homegrowns step forward
Brenden Aaronson and Auston Trusty have both played major minutes in 2019, but Anthony Fontana’s recent emergence has been a delightful twist to the season, and if the young midfielder plays a big role on Saturday night it could be alongside fellow academy product Matt Real. Kai Wagner will miss the Montreal match due to yellow card accumulation and Real will be hoping he can fill the left back role on the road this weekend.
Philadelphia travels over the border to face the Impact on Saturday, July 27 at 8:00 p.m. ET on PHL17.
