Chester, PA (Sports Network) - With the MLS All-Star Game out of PPL Park, the
Philadelphia Union will move back into their spectacular home Sunday to battle
the New England Revolution in a key MLS Eastern Conference match.
The MLS All-Stars beat Chelsea, 3-2, on Wednesday on a stoppage-time goal from
Eddie Johnson. Now, Philadelphia hopes to enjoy as much success over the rest
of the season in its stadium.
The Union (6-10-2) are just one point off the bottom of the East, but with two
games in hand on last-place Toronto FC. New England (6-9-5) sits eighth, but a
mere four points off the bottom.
Philadelphia would move level on points with New England with a win this week,
and will have All-Stars Carlos Valdes and Michael Farfan on their side.
The Union have been strong at home recently, winning their last three at home
under interim manager John Hackworth.
Philadelphia had won three straight overall before a 2-0 loss to Red Bull New
York last week, but should be able to move past the loss to the East leaders.
"You can play really well and lose or play really badly and win," Hackworth
said. "I'm not saying we played really well, but we did in a lot of ways what
we wanted to do.
"Obviously, the result didn't go our way. We're not frustrated by it. We'll go
back and keep making sure we're prepared for the next game."
The Union did have a little trouble last week with Freddy Adu, who wasn't with
the squad because he violated team rules. Adu will be available this week.
"He's a fantastic player but he wasn't here ..., so it was an opportunity for
other guys to step up," Hackworth said. "We can debate about whether we missed
him or not. We didn't get the result today so it kind of looks that way."
New England is one of the worst road teams in the league, winning just once in
10 games this season.
Winless in their last three matches, the Revolution did earn a 0-0 tie against
Sporting Kansas City on the road in their last game and will try to add a road
result against the Union.
"It is good to get this point (against Sporting) ... but we need to obviously
get more points at home and away to make the playoffs," New England midfielder
Benny Feilhaber said.
"It is a good stepping stone but we have to make something out of it."
The Sports Network