Philadelphia Union Vs FC Dallas - 7M sport

Philadelphia Union Vs FC Dallas

Posted Friday, May 14, 2010 by Goal.com

The Union finally return home...

On Form

Philadelphia Union by Anthony Burkhart: Young forward Jack McInerney has solidified himself as the first offensive-minded player off the bench for the Union. Drafted behind Danny Mwanga and Amobi Okugo, McInerney was initially considered a long-term project - one that certainly wasn’t expected to make an immediate impact. Given his limited playing time, McInerney has made quite an impact and is generally one of the more creative players when on the field. If Sebastien Le Toux isn’t back for Saturday’s game, McInerney should get another start and opportunity to show that he and Roger Torres are two of the more creative players on the squad.

FC Dallas by Ramin Majd: Coming off two straight clean-sheet wins, Kevin Hartman has wrested the starting keeper position from Dario Sala. Jeff Cunningham finally got his first goal in the run of play this season in last Saturday’s win over D.C. United. The 2009 Golden Boot winner is streaky, but when he gets on a roll, he’s a machine—as last year’s 16 goals in 14 games attest.

Off Target

Philadelphia Union: Editors don’t like repetition, but this one is all defense. The Union have surrendered 14 goals in six games and nothing is going right at the back. David Myrie seems like a distant memory at this point, back when it looked like the Seattle game was just one poor outing for the defense. Poor communication, bonehead mistakes and inconsistent goaltending has been a recipe for disaster in the back. Coupled with a impotent offense that is incapable of making up for the defensive mistakes, the Union’s goal differential is a dismal minus-eight. The six goals scored in six games is misleading as three of those came against D.C. United. The Union have scored just three goals in the other fives losses.

FC Dallas: While the Hoops deserve credit for two consecutive wins, they are still not finishing nearly enough of their chances. The confused looks after failed scoring opportunities demonstrate an attack that is still not in synch. A telling statistic: FC Dallas lead MLS in shots on goal, but are tied for 10th in goals scored.

Tactics

Philadelphia Union: In a long-awaited second home game for the Union, expect there to be an offensive mentality. Le Toux opened the scoring just three minutes into the home game against D.C. United and that raucous crowd was certainly a lift. The Union will expect nothing short of a win at Lincoln Financial Field and it will certainly take an offensive mindset to accomplish that considering the defensive struggles.

FC Dallas: FCD should not have much trouble keeping Philadelphia off the score sheet. The Union have only managed one goal in their last two matches, and their only proven striker-- Sébastien Le Toux—is recovering from a knee injury. Dallas head coach Schellas Hyndman will deploy his usual 4-5-1, with Cunningham up top. With the Union’s defensive difficulties and penchant for red cards, Hyndman will encourage his troops to play aggressively and force Philly to make mistakes.

Intangibles

Philadelphia Union: Phil-a-del-phia Uuuuuunion! The nice weekend weather shouldn’t keep any fans away, and if the support is anything like it was the first time around it will be a tough outing for F.C. Dallas. The home crowd hopefully will inject some confidence into the struggling Union side. Also, the presence of Le Toux will certainly be a factor. Is he finally healthy enough for a start?

FC Dallas: The Union have been bad lately, losing their last two games by a combined score of 1-6. But this will finally be a home game for them, just their second of the year. The last time Philly played at Lincoln Financial Field, they picked up a win and Le Toux had a hat trick. If the Union can get a boost from playing at home, FCD may be in for more than they anticipate.

Prediction

Philadelphia Union: Considering the Union’s unblemished home record, it’s hard to go against the home team. In all seriousness, the home crowd may just be enough to carry the Union to another win. The team is losing, yes, but until the Union start losing at home the fans will continue to come in droves. It may not be pretty, but the W is all that matters. Philadelphia 2, F.C. Dallas 1.

FC Dallas: Philadelphia Union 1-1 FC Dallas. It’s hard to see Philly getting more than one goal past FCD’s back line and Hartman. On the other hand, the hostile atmosphere and the Hoops’ penchant for not finishing chances will prevent Dallas from scoring more than one themselves.



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