Preview: Philadelphia Union vs. San Jose Earthquakes (Major League Soccer—week 7)
In their second year of Major League Soccer, http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Philadelphia-Union-c40231 have already surprised critics in the league circles, as they led the Eastern Conference for two weeks. Now at third spot in the league, the team takes on Western Conference powerhouse, San
Jose Earthquakes, at PPL Park on Saturday, April 30, in a bid to reclaim the top-dog status.
The Philly Union has have a clean bill of health, especially in the attacking department where all the players are raring for MLS action at their home ground.
This is the U’s third consecutive home match following the drubbing of New York Red Bulls and the stalemate against http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Seattle-Sounders-FC-c40474. Players such as Carlos Ruiz, Danny Califf and Roger Torres have all contributed to the cause with their fair share of
goals.
The Quakes, meanwhile, do not enjoy the same respect in the Western Conference. Residing at the last spot, the team has been struggling in the defence ever since the start of the preseason. The team has conceded a whopping nine goals from five games in the
league so far. Should the outlook fail to improve, the team is guaranteed bottom spot come the end of the season.
Philadelphia Union
Ruiz’s comeback to the league this year has been a good omen for the Philadelphia side. The team thrashed RBNY earlier this month to mark one of the biggest upsets of the season and this would be another home game of the same sort except the opposition is
much weaker.
http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Faryd-Mondragón-c13394 has been a brick wall in front of the posts, conceding only two goals in the league so far. The keeper has three clean sheets to his name including the prized scalp of the Bulls.
In addition to Ruiz, Torres and Califf, the set-up includes http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Danny-Mwanga-c10216, who are yet to open their goal-accounts. There is firm chance that the duo will add numbers this time should they get the nod off the bench.
Injury Report
Gabe Farfan (toe dislocation), http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Justin-Mapp-c20150 (hamstring strain) and Brian Carroll (hamstring strain) are out injured for this game.
http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/San-Jose-Earthquakes-c40434
The quakes have been inconsistent in the league thus far, losing to the likes of http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/FC-Dallas-c39095. The team statistics read 1-3-2 (one victory, 3
defeats and a draw), that has pushed the team down to last spot in the conference table.
Frank Yallop has clearly failed in reinforcing the defence as evident by the alarming number of goals conceded. http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Jon-Busch-c18946 has been disappointing with the
gloves.
The Quakes’ forward line-up has fared little better in the offensive third despite the presence of reigning Golden Boot winner, Chris Wondolowski, in the roster. Attacking midfielder Simon Dawkins falls into the category, scoring just once and failing to
provide any inspiration in the attack.
The coach is still missing the services of Steven Lenhart, who is out injured, in the attack.
Injury Report
http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Steven-Lenhart-c34200 (knee arthroscopy) and Ellis McLoughlin (back strain) will all miss the encounter because of injury.
Following are the line-ups for Peter Nowak and Frank Yallop:
Philadelphia Union
Faryd Mondragon, Danny Califf, http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Danny-Califf-c10200, Carlos Ruiz
San Jose Earthquakes
Jon BuschJason Hernandez, http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Chris-Wondolowski-c9038
Prediction
It is about time Philadelphia Union secure first position in the Eastern Conference, as the home ground will be an undoubted advantage. The predicted score is 2—1 in favour of the Zolos.
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