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FC Cincinnati Vs Philadelphia Union: Week 5 Preview

By Vince Senick

CHESTER, PA - JULY 07: Union Head Coach Jim Curtin reacts to fans as he walks onto the field before the game between Atlanta United and the Philadelphia Union on July 07, 2018 at Talen Energy Stadium in Chester, PA. (Photo by Kyle Ross/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
CHESTER, PA - JULY 07: Union Head Coach Jim Curtin reacts to fans as he walks onto the field before the game between Atlanta United and the Philadelphia Union on July 07, 2018 at Talen Energy Stadium in Chester, PA. (Photo by Kyle Ross/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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Philadelphia Union, Jim Curtin
CHESTER, PA – JULY 07: Union Head Coach Jim Curtin reacts to fans as he walks onto the field before the game between Atlanta United and the Philadelphia Union on July 07, 2018 at Talen Energy Stadium in Chester, PA. (Photo by Kyle Ross/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

The Philadelphia Union will travel to face FC Cincinnati Saturday night. Both teams are coming off impressive wins and will look to build off the momentum. Here is a full Week 5 preview.

The international break is over and MLS teams are back to having their full rosters for Week 5 of the season. FC Cincinnati is the talk of the MLS world currently as they have won two straight games and have not dropped points since their season — and MLS — opening game. Cincinnati’s recent addition of Kenny Saief looks to be paying instant dividends for the club and they are going to be a tough team all season to beat at home.

Meanwhile, the Philadelphia Union are coming off their best game of the season against a depleted Columbus Crew squad. They themselves were also down key men, so the Union will certainly take the three points and be happy.

Related Story. Atlanta United Vs Columbus Crew: 5 key players to watch. light

Here is the full Week 5 preview.

David Accam - Philadelphia Union
HARRISON, NJ – MAY 26: Philadelphia Union forward David Accam (7) controls the ball during the second half of the Game between the New York Red Bulls and the Philadelphia Union on May 26, 2018, at Red Bull Arena in Harrison, NJ. (Photo by Rich Graessle/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

Last Time Out

The Philadelphia Union were forced to change shape, going with a 4-2-3-1, against Columbus and the goals finally started coming. Even without Marco Fabian, Corey Burke, and Sergio Santos, the Union were able to attack the Crew and easily beat them 3-0. David Accam, who was dealing with the death of his father earlier in the week, scored a brace and assisted on the third goal to really lift the Union.

Even with Columbus being down their four best players, it was a good sign that Philadelphia was able to control the game and create so many opportunities. It was a rough start to the season, but this Columbus game could give the whole team the pickup they need.

FC Cincinnati traveled to New England, to take on the New England Revolution and came away with their first road win in the MLS. A late first-half goal from Kekuta Manneh and a 66th-minute goal from Kenny Saief were all FC Cincinnati needed to grab all three points. Spencer Richey was rarely challenged, but he did have a phenomenal double save to keep the score 1-0 at the time. Four minutes later, Saief scored to put the game away. FC Cincinnati look like a very dangerous team right now and could be a tough out at home.

Will FC Cincinnati be able to stay firm at the back and thwart the Union attack? Can Philadelphia re-integrate their returning players and pick up where they left off last week? These two storylines will determine the outcome of this game.

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