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MLS Week 12: Top 3 storylines to watch

By Joshua Bowers

HARRISON, NEW JERSEY- SEPTEMBER 01: Head coach Bruce Arena of the United States on the sideine during the United States Vs Costa Rica CONCACAF International World Cup qualifying match at Red Bull Arena, Harrison, New Jersey on September 01, 2017 in Harrison, New Jersey. (Photo by Tim Clayton/Corbis via Getty Images)
HARRISON, NEW JERSEY- SEPTEMBER 01: Head coach Bruce Arena of the United States on the sideine during the United States Vs Costa Rica CONCACAF International World Cup qualifying match at Red Bull Arena, Harrison, New Jersey on September 01, 2017 in Harrison, New Jersey. (Photo by Tim Clayton/Corbis via Getty Images) /
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CHESTER, PA – MAY 01: Union Midfielder Jamiro Monteiro (35) reacts to being called offside in the second half during the game between the Philadelphia Union and FC Cincinnati on May 1, 2019 at Talen Energy Stadium in Chester, PA. (Photo by Kyle Ross/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
CHESTER, PA – MAY 01: Union Midfielder Jamiro Monteiro (35) reacts to being called offside in the second half during the game between the Philadelphia Union and FC Cincinnati on May 1, 2019 at Talen Energy Stadium in Chester, PA. (Photo by Kyle Ross/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

2. The Union breakout to be tested

The Philadelphia Union have been the breakout team of the 2019 MLS season thus far. Many pundits expected the Union to improve upon their 2018 campaign. However, few could have imagined their early season success. Philadelphia are in second place in the Eastern Conference with 23 points. They have just a single point less than leaders D.C. United and have a game in hand.  Philadelphia have excelled at both ends of the pitch. They are averaging just one goal allowed per match and have scored nearly two goals per match at the other end.

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It has been a team effort for the Union. Eight different players have scored two or more goals this year. Striker Kacper Przybylko has stepped into a starting role, scoring three goals thus far. He has been forced to replace 2018 breakout player, Cory Burke. Burke is unable to re-enter the United States for three months due to problems with his visa.

Three newcomers have been catalysts for Philadelphia’s season: Marco Fabian, Kai Wagner, and Jamiro Monteiro. Wagner leads the team with three assists as a left back. He and Monteiro are tied for fifth in MLS, averaging 3.5 tackles per game. Monteiro was initially signed on a four-month loan from FC Metz, but that loan has already been extended for the remainder of the season.

The Union are undefeated in their last five matches and have won four of those five. This weekend they welcome the Seattle Sounders, who are enjoying a terrific start to their season as well. The Sounders will be Philadelphia’s toughest test since losing to the Galaxy 0-2 April 13th. This is a very even matchup. Seattle have 25 points through 12 matches this season and have scored just fewer goal than Philadelphia, while allowing two more. Seattle will be without two starters, Victor Rodriguez and Gustav Svensson, while Philadelphia will have their first team available, with the exception of goalkeeper Andre Blake.

Philadelphia have had an incredible start to their season, and they look like a viable contender in the East. However, they face one of the Western Conference giants this weekend, the Seattle Sounders. This will be a good measuring stick for them.

The Philadelphia Union host the Seattle Sounders this Saturday 5/18 at 7:30 pm EST

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