123 days.
That’s how long it has been since we last saw Philadelphia Union in action but the last time on the pitch was a memorable one with a six-goal thriller that ended in a draw against LAFC. A few days MLS paused competition due to COVID-19 pandemic with the time since the last kick of a ball filled with extreme uncertainty and unprecedented times.
But alas, 123 days later, Philly sports are BACK! The Union is part of the six-team Group A of the MLS is Back Tournament alongside NYCFC, Inter Miami CF, Nashville SC, Orlando City SC, and Chicago Fire. Kick off for Philly’s first group stage match is against NYCFC is set for 9 a.m. ET on ESPN and ESPN Deportes. While only two league matches have been played so far in 2020, the Union are actually at the top Group A on the league table Head Coach Jim Curtin is the only returning coach in the group.
NYC has proven to be a tough feat for the Union over their few matchups, but there’s a solid chance that can change this time around. Philly has been seen as one of the most exciting young and upcoming teams in MLS and they were even a favorite to win the tournament by Calen Carr. Young stars like Brenden Aaronson and Mark McKenzie, strong international talent in Kacper Przybyłko and Jakob Glesnes, and strong veteran leadership from Alejandro Bedoya make the Union a team to watch.
NYC is not a team that can be overlooked and has been a serious threat in the Eastern Conference over the last few seasons making it as far as the Eastern Conference Finals in 2019. During the off season, NYC welcomed Head Coach Ronny Deila and has since played just two matches under the Norwegian before the League shut down. However, Coach Curtin quickly picked up on their change in strategy.
“I’ve noticed this year that they are even more aggressive in their counter press with their new coach,” Curtin said in his press conference last week. “It’s a tough dimension to add to a group that was really organized.”
Curtin also acknowledged their strengths up front with Heber, Maxi Moralez, and Alex Ring. Curtin reiterated his confidence in his squad as well as the health and safety of his players heading into this tournament in these turbulent times.
Players to Watch
Jamiro Monteiro – The time off has made Monteiro a different player according to Curtin and that has to give opposing defenses worries. “If you compare his preseason and now off of quarantine, where he’s at is a whole other level,” Curtin said. “He’s really stepped things up and looks really, really sharp.”
Jakob Glesnes - Glesnes made a name for himself the last time he was on the pitch with that absolute rocket of a goal against LAFC…extra eyes will definitely be on him.
Alex Ring – The midfielder was pointed out by Curtin that he believes Ring is one of the most underrated players in MLS.
Maxi Moralez - Moralez is always a strong presence on the pitch and arguably one of the best number 10s in the league in the eyes of Curtin.
