Philadelphia Union make a trip up to East Hartford, CT to take on Toronto FC on Saturday for a 7:30 kick on PHL17. Due to COVID-19 protocols and regulations, Toronto’s temporary home is at Pratt & Whitney Stadium at Rentschler Field.
Good things happen in Philadelphia and one of those good things is the Philadelphia Union. The Boys in Blue are having a memorable season with their latest victory coming in the pouring rain against Inter Miami by a 3-0 margin. The Homegrowns shined once again with Anthony Fontana and Brenden Aaronson each adding a goal to their stat sheet. Head Coach Jim Curtin was proud of his team’s performance saying during his Wednesday press conference, “[we are] coming off a good win where we were organized defensively…our players won the transition parts of the game if you look at all three goals. [These things] set us up nicely to take on Toronto.”
The Union will be taking on some strong Eastern Conference competition in Toronto FC. The two sides sport the exact same record at 8-2-4, but Philly sits atop Toronto in second place courtesy of goal differential. They are equipped with a strong attack headed by (according to this ESPN article) first-half MVP Alejandro Pozuelo. Toronto is likely feeling confident coming out of a big win against Supporter Shield leader Columbus Crew by a 3-1 scoreline. The Union will have their hands full with Pozuelo and Jozy Altidore on the attack paired with a well put together defense. Coach Curtin acknowledged Toronto’s success stating, ”they have a ton of talent and are very well coached. They keep the ball on the ground, pass to each other, they move for each other, and they defend really well.”
Players to watch
Andre Blake: Blake will look to tally his seventh shutout of the season. He also received the nod to win the Golden Glove according to ESPN.
Alejandro Pozuelo: This MLS MVP candidate is extremely skillful with the ball and leads his club with six goals.
