The Philadelphia Union will take on Sporting Kansas City in the Quarterfinals of the MLS is Back Tournament on Thursday at 8:00 PM on ESPN. Just like last time out for both these squads it’s win and you’re into the semifinals while the other leaves the Orlando bubble.
Philly has accumulated a lot of attention from the entire city and MLS following their victory over New England to survive and advance to the Quarterfinals. There was another incredible performance from Andre Blake in goal who made a few more game-saving saves and Sergio Santos finally put one in the back of the net and celebrated accordingly. The Boys in Blue seem confident to take on their next opponent, however, the Union have some knockout memories against Sporting KC they would rather forget. In the 2015 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Final, Sporting defeated Philly in penalty kicks after a 1-1 result after regulation. Kansas City also knocked out the Union in the 2012 Open Cup semifinals. The Union will be hoping and pushing for a different result and a chance to replace those memories.
Sporting KC’s path to the Quarterfinals started out with an 2-1-0 record in Group D followed by a victory in penalty shootouts knocking out Vancouver in the Round of 16. Sporting is currently sitting near the top of the Western Conference regular season standings with an impressive combined 4-1-0 record. Despite the scoreless outcome, Sporting put up a club record 36 shots in regular time against Vancouver in their last match. The Union defense and Blake will be ready for their aggressive attack and Mark McKenzie is confident in his backline and their push for another shutout. “We keep doing our job as defenders to keep zeros as long as we can and it’s a huge confidence boost when we see a zero on the score sheet.”
Players to Watch
Andre Blake- Andre “Brick Wall” Blake has been standing on his head every single game this tournament and his effort hasn’t gone unnoticed. He is continuing to show up each game and prove he is one of the top keepers in the League.
Brenden Aaronson & Mark McKenzie- These two Homegrowns have garnered a lot of extra European attention as this Tournament continues and with the potential added pressure these guys still hope to produce for the team.
Alan Pulido- The major offseason signing seems to be getting comfortable with his new team ripping nine shots against Vancouver. The Union’s defense cannot let Pulido have much space near the net.
Johnny Russell- When asked about Kacper Przybylko’s comment stating he can see his team in the finals, Russel said Kacper is a “confident man,” but still needs to get through Sporting Kansas City first. Keep an eye on Russel to do anything he can to prevent the Union from getting past the Quarterfinals.
