Monday night’s match between both Philadelphia Union and Orlando City SC features the two undefeated sides in Group A of the MLS is Back Tournament. While the Union have already secured their spot in the Round of 16 this match is not meaningless. A win means the Boys in Blue will notch the top spot and a loss or tie will put them in second place of Group A.
The Union came out hot against Inter Miami CF scoring in the fifth minute when Kai Wagner put it in the back of the net. Although they weren’t their sharpest, they continued to pressure the new MLS squad and came away with a 2-1 victory. Now onto the other Florida team, Orlando City SC at 8:00 PM Monday on ESPN and TUDN.
Orlando City has been having a good time in their hometown bubble, coming into the tournament as an underdog that not many expected to be in the position they are in now. After two matches and two wins they find themselves sitting pretty at the top of Group A and moving on to the round of 16. Under new instruction by Coach Oscar Pareja, Orlando finds themselves executing new tactics and executing them successfully. There seems to be more passion within the players and their style of play has been cleaner. They’ve been able to consistently string passes together that has led to five goals in their last two matches.
The Union are continuing to put the city of Philadelphia on notice as well as the rest of MLS. They have shown out the last two matches and are still a top two favorite to win this whole thing. Przybylko finally netted one home against Miami (technically two, but offsides) and Andre Blake has been a brick wall in goal. Expect the boys in blue to be coming out strong and trying to steal the top spot in Group A against a fearless Orlando team.
Players to Watch
Andre Blake: You could argue the Union don’t win either of their matches without the Jamaican goalkeeper and he’ll be needed to slow down the attacking weapons that have led Orlando to the top spot thus far.
Chris Mueller: Mueller has scored three of their five goals and will look to continue to chase the Golden Boot of the tournament.
