Each Friday American Soccer Now spotlights probably the most compelling match of the weekend and gives you with a clear-eyed, public relations-free preview of the competition.
BY
Brooke Tunstall
Posted
March 20, 2015
10:51 AM
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IS FC DALLAS FOR REAL? Has the Philadelphia Union lastly taken the subsequent steps to meet its huge promise?
It’s nonetheless approach too early within the Main League Soccer season for developments to emerge or many conclusions to be drawn, however the type of Dallas and Philadelphia by two video games rank among the many most intriguing early-season developments.
Dallas has received its first two video games and can put that type on show tonight when it travels to Philadelphia to face the still-unbeaten (but in addition nonetheless winless) Union. And that’s why tonight’s Union-FCD match (7pm ET, UniMas) is American Soccer Now’s alternative for MLS recreation of the week.
THE BASICS
The North Texans come to Philadelphia having gotten by San Jose 1-0 and beating Kansas Metropolis 3-1, each within the cozy confines of Toyota Area.
The Union might simply be 2-0-0 as nicely, having dominated Colorado in a scoreless draw within the season opener then coming away with only a level in a wild 3-3 draw at Actual Salt Lake after the house workforce was gifted a late—and extremely controversial penalty kick—that left the Union fuming.
Climate needs to be an element. Snow is anticipated early within the day earlier than turning to rain whereas the temperature hovers within the 30s. It might impression the dimensions of the gang however it’s going to even be little enjoyable for many of the gamers, particularly Dallas, which isn’t used to the cruel Northeast winter and has a workforce with a number of gamers from temperate Latin America.
THE SUBPLOTS
Each groups got here into the season with questions in objective. Final yr Chris Seitz, a former Union common, began precisely half of Dallas’ video games with the since-departed Peruvian worldwide Raul Fernandez. However when Dallas acquired former all-star Dan Kennedy within the Chivas USA yard sale, particularly contemplating Kennedy earns considerably extra, it appeared Seitz is perhaps pegged for a back-up function.
However the former youth nationwide workforce star had a robust preseason and to this point this season Seitz has been sturdy, stopping 5 of the six pictures on objective he’s confronted and usually commanding his space with authority.
In the meantime, Rais M’Bolhi is exhibiting that there could also be a way to the Union’s goalkeeper-collecting insanity. When the Union acquired the Algerian worldwide final summer time after a robust World Cup, it raised questions, particularly contemplating incumbent Zac MacMath was having a stable season and the membership had used the highest choose within the 2014 MLS draft on Jamaican Andre Blake.
However MacMath was banished to Colorado this winter and M’Bolhi has crushed out Blake to justify his signing.
Each seem like higher for having needed to face a stiff take a look at to earn first-team standing—one thing MLS officers ought to take into account when setting wage caps and roster sizes sooner or later.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Dallas’ Blas Perez is off to a terrific begin. The veteran Panamanian scored the game-winner towards San Jose and had a brace final week. He’ll present a stern take a look at for the Union’s new middle again pairing of towering Canadian Steven Vitoria and Ethan White.
On the opposite facet, Venezuelan worldwide Fernando Aristeguieta impressed final week in Utah, demonstrating super power and scoring a brace. By means of two video games he’s taken 9 pictures and he’ll be a problem for the Dallas protection anchored by Individuals Matt Hedges and Moises Hernandez.
THE X FACTORS
With opposing defenses keyed on Perez and Aristeguieta, house ought to open up for different attackers, particularly on the flanks. For Dallas, which means pace retailers Tesho Akindele and Fabian Castillo. Philadelphia’s veteran chief Sebastien LeToux and former prime total choose Andrew Wenger may gain advantage as nicely.
PREDICTION
The truth is {that a} tie on the street is now end result towards the improved Union. Toss within the nasty climate and don’t count on Dallas to take too many possibilities. Conversely, whereas the Union will try to drive the problem, there’s no disgrace in tying a workforce taking part in with Dallas’ type. This one seems to be prefer it might finish in a hard-fought 1-1 draw.
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Brooke Tunstall is an American Soccer Now contributing editor and ASN 100 panelist. Observe him on Twitter.
