It's Wednesday and the hype for Sunday afternoon's Audi 2019 MLS Cup Playoff showdown against rivals New York Red Bulls continues to build. As the Boys in Blue return to the practice field ahead of their October 20th contest at Talen Energy Stadium, presented by Captain Morgan, there are at least four Union players that are primed to make an impact on the match and help the squad to the club's first playoff victory.
Mark McKenzie
After overcoming countless setbacks early in the season, the resilient Mark McKenzie is back to his best. A concussion, an emergency appendectomy the night before he was slated to start against Montreal in April, an injury late against Red Bulls in late September: McKenzie has been through it all this season.
The 20-year-old has rebounded to claim a starting center back role alongside Jack Elliott. Now playing on the left -- not an easy change to make -- McKenzie's pace and intuition will be crucial against a Red Bulls attack that relies on speedy counterattacks. If the lure of a franchise-first playoff win while knocking out the rival Red Bulls in the process wasn't enough motivation, McKenzie surely wants a different outcome from last season's playoff loss. This time McKenzie gets to play at home, and he's part of a squad that's won there 10 times in 2019. The Union have played every center back multiple games this season, but McKenzie has hit his form just in time to provide solidity for a huge postseason showdown.
Kai Wagner
With so many new pieces in the 2019 squad, why is Kai Wagner one to keep eyes on Sunday? Jim Curtin has often called Wagner the best left back in MLS this season, but the German's Red Bulls counterpart also has a claim to that title. Kemar Lawrence loves to get forward, but he uses his speed and improved tactical awareness to provide a bullwark against opposing attacks when his team is pushed high.
Both Lawrence and Wagner are excellent two-way players, but the Union left back has been a monster in the final third the season and will need to have his deliveries on point this Sunday. The 22-year-old has earned eight assists, tied for the single-season franchise record for a defender, while also tracking back to end potential scoring threats. It might be the German's first Audi MLS Cup Playoff match but don't expect the moment to be too large.
Brenden Aaronson
When you look at the 2019 Philadelphia Union roster, can you name the players that have been a part of a playoff win? You might get veterans Aurelien Collin and Warren Creavalle but did you remember Brenden Aaronson? What about Anthony Fontana or Michee Ngalina? The young trio all played key roles in last year's Bethlehem Steel FC playoff victory at Pittsburgh Riverhounds.
The Medford, New Jersey homegrown has had a standout debut season as a professional with key goals against DC United and Atlanta United (twice). While he missed out on Rookie of the Year honors and didn't see the pitch during his recent full USMNT call-up, those close calls will only provide more motivation for the midfielder. With the Red Bulls looking to press any player on the ball, Aaronson's quick thinking and creativity can shine. He's played in the playoffs before and it was on the road; nerves haven't shown this season so don't expect it on Sunday.
Ilsinho
You can't have a list with players primed to have an impact against New York Red Bulls without mentioning Ilsinho. By now the whole world has seen how the Brazilian stamped his name on the June matchup between these clubs. Opposing coaches and players know what he can do and yet no matter how they try to stop them, the nutmegs keep coming. Should the Red Bulls decide to shift their defense to put two or even three defenders on the Brazilian, Ilsinho's unselfishness will create open chances for his teammates to find the back of the net.
