Talen Energy Stadium Success
Philadelphia Union have really enjoyed playing in front of their home fans. Last season, the club set a franchise record for home wins in a season with 10. The Union continued their winning ways at Talen Energy Stadium to open the 2018 campaign with a 2-0 victory over New England Revolution on March 3. Since May 6, 2017, the club owns a record of 11-2-1 at home, scoring two or more goals in 11 of those 14 matches. Fans can expect the Union to provide a strong showing in front of their home fans on Saturday.
Borek Dockal Debut
On February 28, the Union announced the signing of Czech international Borek Dockal. The midfielder brings a professional pedigree to the club that will be put on display this Saturday. Dockal did not make an appearance in the club’s first match of the season against New England, but Head Coach Jim Curtin announced in his weekly press conference with the media that Dockal will be playing in some capacity for Philadelphia on Saturday. Fans will want to keep an eye out for Dockal as he makes his Philadelphia Union debut.
A Tough Crew
Philadelphia will be welcoming a Columbus Crew SC team that currently sits at the top of the table in the Eastern Conference with a record of 2-0-0 and a goal-differential of plus three. The Crew opened their 2018 campaign with a win on the road against defending MLS Champs Toronto FC. The fast start for Columbus has a lot to do with their newest acquisition Gyasi Zardes, who has recorded three goals in two matches for his new club. Zardes was acquired in a trade with LA Galaxy this offseason.
Sapong Here To Stay
The Union made a big announcement this week as the club revealed a new contract for their striker CJ Sapong. The big man up top is coming off a career year in 2017 where he scored 16 goals for Philadelphia, setting a new franchise record for goals scored in a season. Sapong’s 16 goals last season shattered a career high; his previous career-high for goals scored in a season was nine. The striker is off to a strong start this season as well adding an insurance goal and putting his name on the scoresheet in the club’s first match of the season on March 3. Sapong will look to continue his success on Saturday against Columbus.
Dynamic Duo
Philadelphia has been very fortunate to count on their international stars in the midfield. Bosnian Captain Haris Medunjanina and United States Captain Alejandro Bedoya are expected to be paired in the midfield once again for Saturday’s match. The two have provided a leadership in the core of the pitch that has shown in the win column at home. The Union own a record of 10-3-3 all-time at Talen Energy Stadium when Bedoya and Medunjanin are paired together in the midfield.
