When the Union and Minnesota United kick off on Saturday evening, Philly could be 90 minutes away from locking up a playoff berth. Here are some additional reasons to check out this cross-conference matchup.
The Goal Scientist
That’s Darwin Quintero’s nickname, and it’s proven apt since he joined Minnesota this season. The winger/striker/attacker is at home all over the final third and he has scored a breathtaking array of chips, screamers, and more this year.
Union fans will be hoping Auston Trusty and the rest of the back line can lock Quintero down, but the Colombian is worth the price of admission just for the potential magic he brings with him at all times.
Quintero hasn’t scored in five games, his longest streak this year. Last time he went through a goal drought he broke it with a hat trick, so the Union need to keep eyes on him at all times. Even though he hasn’t been scoring, Quintero has been contributing to the attack with five assists in the last five games.
Look, he’s a great player, and he’s exciting. A match with Darwin Quintero will be a fun one.
Ten at home?
The Union need to win both of their last two home games to finish with double-digits wins at Talen Energy Stadium this season. The first step comes against Minnesota, a team that has struggled on the road all season. If Philly can knock down the Loons, they set up a dramatic end to their home schedule against New York Red Bulls, one of the top two teams in MLS, but one that Philly has dealt with rather well recently. The Union knocked Red Bulls out of the US Open Cup and nearly stole all three points at Red Bull Arena back in May.
Race to double-digits
Both Cory Burke and Fafa Picault are on the verge of becoming double-digit goalscorers, and Minnesota’s soft defense should offer ample opportunities for Philly’s attackers to knock in a brace. Burke raced out ahead in the race for the team’s golden boot, but Picault’s recent form has been scintillating and he will be looking to continue his run as one of the highest scoring American wingers in the league. Get your bets in before these two aim for glory against the Loons on Saturday in Talen Energy Stadium. Kick off is at 7:30PM ET.
