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Round of 16 Preview: Philadelphia Union vs New England Revolution FC
By Justin Bradley
The Philadelphia Union takes the field in the first round of playoffs after placing second in Group A. It's win or go home, and the Union knows what to expect. In his first three seasons with the team, Union head coach Jim Curtin had made the playoffs every year. The Union has also played multiple win-or-go-home games in the US Open Cup. This experience has the team ready to go Curtin believes.
"There is no replacement for the intensity of elimination games and the more they get, the better. And we have one on Saturday night at 10:30 p.m."
One player who has caught many eyes is 19-year-old midfielder, Brenden Aaronson. Even at such a young age, Aaronson has already played in big games. Last year, Aaronson started in both playoff matches but still believes that the veterans will help them get ready for the big game.
"I think with the senior guys we have on the team they'll help out with our younger guys. I think having that Red Bulls game under our belt and those circumstances will come in handy for this game for sure."
Even though the Union remains unbeaten, everyone on the team believes that they still haven't played a full 90 minutes at their best. When that finally happens, the Union is going to be very hard to beat. Here's what Brenden Aaronson had to say in regards to the team playing a full 90 minutes.
"If we keep playing like we have, we're going to hit that stride at some point and it's just the time that we hit it. Next game would be a perfect time to hit it."
New England Revolution Scouting Report
In Group C, the New England Revolution earned five points and has scored two goals while only giving up one in the tournament so far. However, in just a short amount of time, the Revolution has changed from the bottom of the table team into a team with a ton of upside. Their star strikers Gustavo Bou and Adam Buksa are the players to watch out for tonight. However, they will be missing their attacking midfielder, Carlos Gil.
Union Players to Watch
Andre Blake: Just like every other game preview, Union goalkeeper Andre Blake will be a player to watch. Blake has saved the Union multiple times in this tournament from potential losses and ties. He's incredible, and I'm sure he will make some great saves again tonight.
Brenden Aaronson: 19 year old continues to play a big role for the Union and expect the same tonight. Aaronson had a few missed goal-scoring opportunities against Orlando City S.C hopefully he can put one in the back of the net.
Prediction: Union Win, 2-0
The Union isn't leaving Florida anytime soon. They are just a better overall team and it will show tonight. I think the two players who will score tonight are Brenden Aaronson and Kacper Przybylko.
When: 10:30 PM EST
Where to Watch: ESPN 2
Can't Watch?
Don't worry we have you covered. Our good buddies over at Fox Sports The Gambler announced that they are the NEW HOME for Philadelphia Union Soccer. Gotta love it. Sean Brace and the rest of the crew over there are fantastic, and even have our guy Victor Williams locked in as an Eagles Insider for the upcoming NFL season.
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