Match Preview: Philadelphia Union vs. D.C. United

Rivals above the red line meet in the first MLS Heineken Rivalry Week match of 2016

CHESTER, Pa. (May 17, 2016) – The Philadelphia Union return home to Talen Energy Stadium this Saturday as they square off with D.C. United. This match features two clubs separated by two points in the Eastern Conference. Kick-off is scheduled for 7 p.m. and will be televised nationally on Unimas.

The Union are 5-7-3 all-time against United, but own a 4-3-0 record against their rivals at Talen Energy Stadium. Their last meeting ended in a 3-2 defeat at RFK Stadium on July 26, 2015.

Chris Pontius will make his first regular season appearance for his old club. Pontius spent the first seven years of his MLS career in D.C. before being traded to Philadelphia this offseason. In 2016 Pontius has already surpassed his goal and assist total from the previous year.

Philadelphia is coming off a strong two game performance last week. The club drew with the LA Galaxy 2-2 last Wednesday thanks to Keegan Rosenberry’s first career MLS goal. Philadelphia was able to leave Montreal 72 hours with a well-deserved point. C.J. Sapong tied the match at one to extend the Union’s point streak to four matches.

D.C. United will come to Talen Energy Stadium looking to continue their strong play. The club is 2-1-1 in their last four matches, including a 2-0 victory over the New York Red Bulls on Friday May 13.

A player to watch for on Friday is Union keeper Andre Blake. The former No. 1 overall pick owns a 0.71 career goals against average in seven career matches at Talen Energy Stadium and has never allowed more than two goals in a match at home.

This is the first match featured in MLS’ Heineken Rivalry Week and will be televised nationally on Unimas. You can purchase tickets to the match here