Ahead of Saturday's trip to Talon Energy Stadium, SportingKC.com caught up with Philadelphia Union broadcaster J.P. Dellacamera to preview #PHIvSKC. Live pregame coverage of Saturday's match is available at 5:30 p.m. CT on 38 The Spot (KMCI) and SKCTV.
What were the expectations for the Union heading into this season and how would you assess their season up to this point?
For the Union in 2016, the realistic goal was to make the playoffs. They wanted to be more dominant at home and overall be a tough team to beat. So far, so good for the team. At home they have lost just 3 times, and only once to an eastern conference team. Also, since the start of the season they have pretty much been above the red line in the hunt for a playoff spot. I think most MLS clubs would say that in 2016, it's not an easy game when you play against the Philadelphia Union.
What’s been the key factors and players that have contributed to the club’s success this season?
Let's start at the top with Sporting Director Earnie Stewart who has brought a different culture to the team. From the way they train to the way they present themselves on road trips, this is a different side. Earnie is very detailed in his approach, and he has been a quick learner to the ins and outs of MLS and all of their interesting rules. Have to say the team has brought in better veteran players which also helps, and they had an amazing SuperDraft. For the second time this season (Wednesday in Columbus) the team started 3 first round picks. I think the team has also played hard, game in and game out for Jim Curtin. It's a team that is extremely fit, and a team that doesn't give up at any point in the game. Finally, they have a number one goalkeeper who is a rising star in Andre Blake.
What are your thoughts on the Union’s recent form, including a 2-1 win on Wednesday at Columbus?
Well, until the win Wednesday the club had won just one of their last 6 games. Biggest problem was the number of goals they were conceding. Recent injury to Brian Carroll hurt a bit, and now they are trying to weave new people into the squad like Alejandro Bedoya and Charlie Davies. Bedoya has started all 3 of his games with the Union while Davies has played as a sub in 3 of the 4 games he suited up for. These guys will definitely help the team in their playoff push.
With that midweek match, what lineup changes could see for the Union?
I would think we could see the same starting 11 as the game in Columbus unless there was an injury that I'm not aware of. Jim likes a consistent lineup, but will rotate a player or two into the squad if he is concerned that he might need some fresh legs.
How has new signing and U.S. International Alejandro Bedoya adjusted to the Union?
Bedoya has fit in rather quickly. In his first game with the team his pass completion percentage was close to 90%, and this was only after a short amount of training with his new teammates. He seems to work very well with Tranquillo Barnetta with ball possession. Bedoya has a high soccer IQ, knows when to go forward, knows when to stay back. He was a big signing not just for the present but also for the future.
Who are some other players to watch for Saturday’s match?
For the Union, Barnetta is a player to watch. Good on the ball, accurate passer, dangerous when taking free kicks. Chris Pontius is another one to watch as he is having his best year since 2012. He leads the Union in most offensive categories.
Finally, what are your thoughts on the game and any players and/or match-ups you’ll be watching?
Tough to know about matchups without confirmed starting lineups. But I can say this: both Union outside backs Fabinho and Keegan Rosenberry do like to push forward, so whoever is playing at the outside back positions for Sporting Kansas City will have to be aware of that.Also the matchup of C.J. Sapong versus whoever starts for Sporting Kansas City at the center back positions. C.J. has been a battler all season long, giving most center backs in MLS a run for their money. For the Union, assuming they are healthy and starting, their concern has to be marking Benny Feilhaber and Dom Dwyer. Benny can control the midfield like so few players can in MLS, and Dwyer is a good finisher. Give him half a chance and he will make you pay. Those are the two players I think the Union need to be most concerned about.
