First Look: #DOOP
- Updated: March 17, 2016
Photo credit: Chris Aduama/aduamaphotography.com
The New England Revolution (0-0-2, 2 points) hit the road this Sunday to meet Eastern Conference foe Philadelphia Union (1-1-0, 4 points) for the first time in 2016. Kickoff is set for 2:30 PM Eastern.
In last year’s regular season series, New England found outscored Philly 4-2 over their three meetings. The Revs went to PPL Park (now Talen Energy Stadium) twice and left with all six points, winning by scores of 2-1 and 1-0, respectively. But in the series finale, a reserve-laden Union side came to Foxboro and stole one point in a 1-1 draw on Sept. 26.
Sunday’s match will be the only time the Revolution will play at Talen Energy Stadium during the regular season. New England and Philly meet just one more time on Aug. 13 in Foxboro.
Here are a few things to know about the Union:
– Similar to the Revolution, the Union also employs a 4-2-3-1 formation, but unlike the locals, use their wingers instead of their fullbacks to provide width.
– The Union’s current center back duo of Ken Tribbett (24) and Richie Marquez (23) are among of the youngest in the league.
– The Union enter Sunday’s clash fresh off a surprising 2-1 win at Columbus, marking the first time in five years that the Crew were denied of a win in their home opener. Two goals from Chirs Pontius were enough to give the Union their first victory of the season.
– One player the Revolution won’t have to worry about come Sunday is U.S. international Maurice Edu, who’s expected to miss up to three months of action with a broken leg. Stepping in for Edu at the six spot will be veteran midfielder Brian Carroll.
– Another member of the Union midfield who may not see the action is Vincent Nogueira, who missed last week’s match with an ankle injury. He was replaced in the XI by veteran midfielder Warren Creavalle.
– After spending much of the season as the second-choice keeper, former UConn star Andre Blake is the no. 1 in Philadelphia this year. He was recently called in by Jamaica for international duty, and will report to National Team camp following Sunday’s match.
– A view from the Union: “It needs to be said, (the 2-1 win at Columbus) doesn’t mean anything unless we bounce back and come into our house now in front of our fans and have the same effort that we showed on the road,” Union coach Jim Curtin said during his weekly press conference on Wednesday. “We’ve made a real effort, a big emphasis on really protecting this house and getting three points this Sunday is very important to the group.”
Related Posts
About Baxter Colburn
