Philadelphia Union gets their first Sunday matchup in Atlanta.
By Nick Butler
When: 4 PM ET
Where: Mercedes-Benz Arena, Atlanta, Georgia
How to Watch/Listen
Watch:Β Fox Sports
Listen:
PHI: 97.5 the Fanatic
ATL: 92.9 the Game
The Philadelphia Union are coming off of a dominating win at home over Inter Miami. Even without Damon Lowe and Reigning Goalkeeper of the Year, Andre Blake, the Union still handled their business at home to earn a valuable 3 points and extend the new streak at the fortress. They now look to a Sunday Matinee game against Atlanta United F.C.
With Andre Blake and Damon Lowe playing for the Jamaican National Team, the lineup Head Coach, Jim Curtin will go with should be similar to that of the Inter Miami game.
The Union are 7W-2D-1L since their lose to LAFC in the CONCACAF Champions League Semi-Finals. Posting 5 clean sheets and outscoring their opponents 20-7 in that ten game span. The Union have also jumped into the 2nd spot in the power rankings for the MLS. At this point of the season, every goal counts alongside of the points.
The Union lost the Supporters Shield by a few goals. It stands to reason with the run they have been on can bring them back to the top while being only 9 points out of the top spot of the Eastern Conference.
With 15 games left in the season and the break in MLS play fast approaching for the Leagues Cup, the Union can look to stay on a roll. Flying into Atlanta, a team who is 7-8-5, the Union have a chance to come out with 3 big points.
Atlanta has been underperforming this season and not living up to expectations. They had their unbeaten streak snapped in 4-0 loss to the New York Red Bulls. With Atlanta having some players out on International duty, here is how they will most likely lineup on Sunday.
The Union need to take advantage of the way that Atlanta has been playing. Atlanta are 2-5-3 in their last ten games. Having posted 2 clean sheets in that time and being outscored 19-18. While Atlanta has been scoring goals at stretches, they have also been giving up goals.
This could be a game that screams Mikeal Uhre! If his speed can get the defense pushed back allowing him to break away from the pack, the Union will have no problem with this Atlanta team. The Union will also need another great match from backup Joe Bendik in this alongside the defense covering for him. While he canβt stop all the goals that GK of the Year would, Bendik has done well for not getting much playing time.