Photo: Marjorie Elzey
Who: Philadelphia Union (12-7-9, 45 points – 3rd in the East) vs CF Montreal (11-10-7, 40 points – 7th in the East)
What: MLS Regular Season
Or: Saputo Stadium, Montreal, Quebec
When: Saturday October 16, 1:00 p.m.
To concern: PHL17, ESPN +
Whistle: Not available at time of publication
Every game between the Eastern Conference opponents now has major playoff implications, as only 5 points separate the 3rd from the 7th. Philadelphia will look to widen that distance between a particular foe and bolster its road performance in Cincinnati this past weekend. Meanwhile, Montreal will push for a win to climb as high as possible above the playoff line.
Scouting Report: CF Montreal
Montreal has returned to good form since returning to Stade Saputo, posting a 5-2-1 record in their 8 home games. They recently battled this Philadelphia team and are winless in their last 3 clashes. Montreal will be boosted for this game, as they took a point in Philadelphia last time, a 1-1 draw.
Montreal’s offensive point guard is usually Romell Quioto, who scored 2 goals in the team’s last outing against Atlanta. The significance of the role Quioto will play is on hold after playing for Honduras during the international break and Canada continues to have restrictive COVID travel regulations. Young American Djordje Mihailovic has also provided a spark to the Montreal offense this season, setting up Quioto and gushing attacks.
In midfield, Montreal has former Tottenham Hotspur Victor Wanyama, with captain Samuel Piette by his side. On the wings, we find Zachary Brault-Guillard and the young Canadian Mathieu Choinière.
At the rear organizing the defense is Rudy Camacho with Joel Waterman to his right and Kamal Miller to his left. In goal, James Pantemis, another young player looking to make his mark.
Injury report: Out – Robert Thorkelsson, Mason Toye, Jean Aniel Assi, Ahmed Hamdi; Questionable – Lassi Lappalainen
Suspension report: Nothing
Scouting Report: Union
Since leaving the Champions League, Philadelphia has seen a big turning point in league form: they are currently on a 5-game unbeaten streak, with 4 wins and 1 draw. The Union have also shown their depth in recent times, using many young players in a win over Cincinnati due to the international break.
Speaking of the international break, several Union starters could be question marks in the starting lineup. Olivier Mbazio, Jamiro Montiero and Alvas Powell all returned on Wednesday, while Andre Blake and Daniel Gazdag joined the squad on Thursday. Jose Martinez will not play a role after playing for Venezuela on Thursday night.
Up front, look for Kacper Przybylko to keep his momentum going – he has scored twice in his last 4 games. Sergio Santos and Cory Burke both suffer from minor injuries and are unlikely to start the game or play a significant role, which means fans might spot Quinn Sullivan or Paxton Aaronsen.
At the back, Philadelphia will bring out their strong pair of center-backs Jack Elliott and Jacob Glesnes, two players who have barely missed a minute this season. The good guys will also be delighted to see Kai Wagner return to the left after serving a red suspension card in the last game. Olivier Mbazio was injured while playing for Cameroon but is expected to be in good shape for the match. Andre Blake is also a question mark in goal as it looks like he injured himself with Jamaica and didn’t shoot a goal in his last game.
INjury report: OUT – Ilsinho, Cory Burke, Alvas Powell, Sergio Santos
Suspension report: Nothing
Key match: Attack width
Both teams in this game like to get the ball out of the way and bring their full-backs into the attack. Will they be able to maintain defensive form after each attack? Good serve and good physical condition will dictate who controls the game on Saturday.
Player to watch: Kacper Przybylko
Philadelphia has needed a consistent goal threat all season, and it looks like Przybylko is warming up at the right time. Maybe a goal against Cincinnati got him back in shape.
Prediction: Montreal 1-1 Philadelphia
Just like the return leg, this game will end in a 1-1 draw. Both teams will be content with one point in what should be a fierce game.
