Coming off two disheartening and controversial draws to open the season, the Philadelphia Union return home to host the red-hot FC Dallas Saturday with kickoff scheduled for 1 pm ET. The match had to be postponed from Friday night due to inclement weather. Dallas is the only club to take the maximum points available to them so far, winning both matches in convincing fashion. The Union has had to settle for two frustrating draws that were filled with controversy. Philadelphia opened with a scoreless draw against Colorado that was filled with multiple refereeing errors including at least one missed penalty. Last week they played to a wild 3-3 draw at Real Salt Lake, a match they feel they should have won as they were leading 3-2 until an 86th minute penalty was awarded to the hosts. The ensuing penalty kick was converted, allowing the hosts to draw level. The penalty was highly contentious and the player that was fouled even said it was not a penalty.
The Union will have to put the controversial decisions behind them as they prepare to face the high-flying FC Dallas and their powerful offense. The Union head into the match with several question marks. First of all, the defense getting used to each other with the addition of Steven Vitoria this offseason. His partnership with Ethan White is still developing and will face a huge test against Dallas and Panamanian forward Blas Perez. Outside backs Sheanon Williams and Ray Gaddis have also struggled at times and haven’t gotten much support from the wingers in front of them. The defense as a whole has a tough task Friday night against not only Perez but also Fabian Castillo, Tesho Akindele and Mauro Diaz. Dallas has a lot of speed on the wings ad teams have been attacking the Union in that way so far this season.
There has also been a gap between the defense and offense in the midfield. It is vital that the team figures out how to improve that link or the attack will struggle and put more pressure on the defense. The attack has been better in terms of creating chances but so far the team has struggled to finish. All three goals against Salt Lake were due in part to some defensive error or deflection, including an own goal.
Both teams will be missing key players with Dallas missing defender Stephen Keel, who is recovering from foot surgery. The Union has bigger injury problems than Dallas. They will be missing forward C.J. Sapong, who suffered a mild concussion and a fractured cheekbone against Colorado. The biggest blow, however, came after training Tuesday. Attacking midfielder Cristian Maidana suffered a knee injury toward the end of training Tuesday and is expected to miss 2-4 weeks. Maidana had a hand in all three goals last week and the team is clearly better when he is on the field. Zach Pfeffer could be in line to start in his absence.
Probable Starting XI (4-2-3-1): M’Bolhi; Gaddis-Vitoria-White-Williams; Edu-Nogueira; Wenger-Pfeffer-LeToux; Aristeguieta
The Union has never beaten FC Dallas and will need a strong game from everyone if they are to get their first win against them. Weather will be a factor with a mix of snow, rain and wind plus temperatures in the 20s being forecast. The Union will be hoping that the weather can help slow down Castillo, or they will be in for a long night.