After outshooting the Colorado Rapids last week 16 to 2 as well as dominating possession and many other stats, the Philadelphia Union could not out do them in the one that counts, and they could only muster a draw. This week, the Union travel out to Utah in hopes of securing 3 road points, but the task will be far from easy when they take on a perennial playoff contender in Real Salt Lake.
To get 3 points, the Union will need to put away their chances when they get them. They won't get 16 shots every game which will make it even more important that they put their chances in the back of the net. Real Salt Lake play very organized with a very strong defense, which was evident in their 0-0 draw against the Portland Timbers.
The Philadelphia Union will need to rely heavily on the likes of Andrew Wenger, Sebastien Le Toux, and Fernando Aristeguieta. All three were lively against the Rapids, but none of them could find the back of the net. That will need to change against Real Salt Lake.
Another thing to keep an eye on is the formation. There will most likely be a change in the formation this week with CJ Sapong now out with a concussion and a fracture in his cheek. When Christian Maidana came on for Sapong in the second half against Colorado, he added a different dynamic to the team and really provided the creative spark that the Union had lacked.
For the Union to be successful against Real Salt Lake, Maidana will be crucial. Real Salt Lake has Jamison Olave, Chris Schuler and Kyle Beckerman clogging up the center of the field so crosses will not be the solution against them. Just ask Portland how crosses faired for them. Maidana will need to use his creativity to penetrate the defense for Aristeguieta, Wenger and Le Toux to latch onto.
This also means that when Maurice Edu and Vincent Nogueira pick up the ball in the center of the pitch, they will need to find Maidana quickly to start the counter and run at the defense. Against Colorado and for much of the preseason, Edu was on the top of his game. He really stepped into tackles and broke up possession for the opposition. This week's opponent will provide more of a threat so Edu will need to continue to play to his game.
While the offense looks to finish off their chances, the defense will need to continue to play well. Last week the Union's defense did not have much to do, but when they were called to act, they defended well. Overlapping runs by Raymon Gaddis and Sheanon Williams will be very important moving forward as well.
This is only the 2nd week of the season so the team is still learning one another's preferences, especially for the Union since they were late in the offseason with their signings. Look for the Union to find that counterattack and try and finish off their chances. If they can do that, they very well could walk out of Rio Tinto Stadium with 3 away points.