The suddenly streaking Union are out west tonight where they'll face the San Jose Earthquakes (10PM/Live Well HD). The two sides met at PPL back in July, when after falling behind early the Quakes scored the tying goal just before the first half whistle, and put away the game winner in 90th minute.
For me, more than any other game this season that 2-1 loss did more to illustrate Peter Nowak's commitment to positive soccer. I mentioned it in my Union mid-season report, but it was fascinating to watch the Union keep the pedal to the metal after going up 1-0. Coming into the season Nowak said they'd play attractive soccer. Peter Nowak's word is bond.
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The Union made franchise history in their 1-0 win over Chicago on Saturday. The win marked the first time they've kept a clean sheet against an MLS opponent. While in and of itself the shutout was newsworthy, the real story was that Brad Knighton was between the sticks; not Chris Seitz.
Seitz has started 21 of 23 games. He's played close to 2,000 minutes, as compared to Knighton's 112.To say that Seitz has been the number one keeper has been an understatement. We'll see if the Union coaching staff rewards Knighton for his play by giving him the nod over Seitz over the last seven regular season games.
Despite watching him all season I was still taken aback when I looked at the MLS stat leaders today and saw Sebastien Le Toux in the top five in goals, assists, shots, and shots on goal. I don't know what to say other than he's had an absolutely stunning season for a guy left unprotected in the expansion draft.
Rookie of the year candidate Danny Mwanga is listed as questionable with a shoulder sprain. Will we see Jack McInerney if Mwanga is unable to go? Perhaps the Union will pair Alejandro Moreno with Le Toux up top. I'd imagine we'll see the same back four of Sheanon Williams, Danny Califf, Michael Orozco Fiscal, and Jordan Harvey that helped hold Chicago scoreless on Saturday.
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The Union back line is going to have to deal with Quakes leading scorer Chris Wondolowski (8 goals), Philly native and team leader in assists Bobby Convey (9 assists), and recently acquired designated player Geovanni (signed by San Jose on August 16th).
This is a tough spot for the Union. Traveling cross country to play a Wednesday night game following a Saturday evening match is not ideal. Their struggles on the road have been well documented (2-9-1). Their current form would suggest that they'll have a chance to earn a point in this game.
Union player most likely to see red: Stefani Miglioranzi....because why not?
Final score prediction: The road woes continue as the Quakes win it 2-1.