United’s three-game winning streak may have been snapped in New Jersey against the Red Bulls, but the Black-and-Red are still rolling in their new home at Audi Field where they are 6-1-1 including a four-game home winning streak.
Their advantage at home will be key as the Black-and-Red continue their push for the playoffs. Just six points out of a playoff spot with several games in hand, United enter a crucial Wednesday match against a Philadelphia Union side that the Black-and-Red are currently chasing.
“It means a lot to us. It means a lot to them,” United Head Coach Ben Olsen said. “They’re one of the better teams in the East.”
Much like United, the Union have begun to climb after a slow start to the season, and have jumped into a playoff spot by winning seven of their last 10 matches, including a three-game win streak heading into Wednesday's clash.
Also like United, the Union’s strength can be found in their midfield, where the trio of Haris Medunjanin, Alejandro Bedoya and Borek Dockal have coordinated the attack for forwards CJ Sapong and Corey Burke.
Burke in particular has become a dangerous threat up top, scoring five goals in his last seven appearances.
Philly’s high-pressing style will have to contend with a United back line that has adapted in recent weeks. After switching to a 4-2-3-1 formation, the Black-and-Red have been able to tighten up their defense and contain teams that try to control the middle of the field.
The pairing of Russell Canouse and Júnior Moreno has become a formidable force in the midfield for United, as the duo has been able to both stop opponents in their tracks and quickly get the ball moving on the attack.
Defender Steven Birnbaum has also quietly produced a strong season, and is the only player on United who has featured in every minute of every match for the Black-and-Red. Birnbaum’s strength lies in his athleticism and ability in the air, where he leads all of MLS with 122 aerials won this season. That will come in handy against Sapong, who has shifted into the midfield recently and thrives on his ability to win balls in the air to sustain the Philly attack.
But while the Union’s offense has been formidable, United have been on fire at Audi Field. Since the stadium's opening on July 14, the Black-and-Red have scored 14 goals while conceding only six. Led by Luciano Acosta and captain Wayne Rooney, United’s offensive stars should find chances against a young Union backline that likes to play further upfield.
Every point matters in the playoff push, and Wednesday’s clash against the Union could prove to be a massive turning point for the Black-and-Red.
