Philadelphia Union Vs Portland Timbers: 3 things to watch for – The unbeatens battle
2. Portland experience vs. Union youth
The Philadelphia Union have been a surging team under Jim Curtin for a while. All the way back to 2018 when they made the U.S. Open Cup and enjoyed an encouraging regular season which hinted at potential development in a new era, this has been building for some time. And now, it is coming to fruition.
More from MLS Multiplex
- Javier Milei Elected in Argentina: Potential Impacts on MLS and Signings of Argentine Players
- Orlando City and New York City FC in the Battle for Matías Arezo; Grêmio Enters Negotiations! Who Will Come Out on Top?
- USA, Honduras, Panama, and Canada Close in on a Spot in the 2024 Copa America
- De Gea Turns Down Al-Nassr’s Lucrative Offer: Speculation Points to Possible Reunion with Messi at Inter Miami
- Messi’s Magnetic Impact in the United States
While the Union’s performances were more mechanical and workmanlike in the group stages, against Sporting KC, they finally delivered their best. And it all stemmed from the vibrant energy of their young legs, especially Brenden Aaronson at the tip of their diamond, and an excellent backline that allows them to press high up the pitch.
Mark McKenzie and Jack Elliott are 21 and 24 respectively. Kai Wagner is an excellent left-back is only 23. In fact, Alejandro Bedoya and Raymon Gaddis are their only starters north of 30. Of outfield players, no other player is older than 27. It is a young, energetic, exciting team. But now they come up against the experience of Portland.
From Diego Valeri to Sebastian Blanco to Diego Chara, this Timbers team is stocked full of experienced, proven winners, players who have dominated MLS for many years. They have won MLS Cups, made MLS Cup finals, routinely been around the elite teams in the Western Conference. They are wily, subtle, and difficult to beat. It is youth vs. experience. Which will win out?