The battle for the top of the Eastern Conference and the league is going down on Saturday night as second place Union host first place Toronto FC. A win for Philly would see them into first place on tiebreakers while while a win for Toronto could pull them ahead by a comfortable six points with just three games to go in the regular season. The match kicks off at 7:30 p.m. on PHL17 and also on PhiladelphiaUnion.com.
The Union enter the big match after battling a tough New England Revolution squad on Monday. Despite being outshot, the Union managed to chalk up a 2-1 win after an own goal gave the club a first half lead while homegrown Anthony Fontana added the winning goal with a beauty of a chip.
Sitting three points out of first, the Union are poiised to keep their undefeated streak alive at Subaru Park where they haven’t lost in over a calendar year. It won’t be easy though as Toronto FC has been a powerhouse threat in the East over the last few years and nothing has changed this season. They have arguably the best player in the League with Alejandro Pozuelo and strong veteran leadership in Jozy Altidore and Michael Bradley. Curtin knows that the team has a tough feat ahead, but he believes “we’re in a good spot with a confident group.”
Alejandro Pozuelo continues to dominate MLS and is making a strong running for League MVP. Toronto took the three points in the last matchup against Philly earlier in the month. Pozuelo and Ale Akinola both tallied a goal each to lead TFC to a 2-1 victory after an early goal in the 5’ by Sergio Santos. Toronto are beaten in their last nine matches having last lost back on September 5th against the Vancouver Whitecaps.
Players to Watch
Kacper Przybylko: Kacper is tied for team-high six goals on the season, but hasn’t scored since September 20. In big matches he’s come through so expect the forward to be aggressive and hungry for a goal.
Alejandro Pozuelo: Jim Curtin said there isn’t a way to stop Pozuelo, the Union will have to find a way to limit is chances or Toronto will get the three points.
