Doop Nation: Analyzing Philadelphia Union’s Playoff Situation
By Phil Naegely
Doop Nation is Playing for 90’s column focusing on all things Philadelphia Union. In the inaugural edition the Union’s playoff situation is the topic of discussion.
The Philadelphia Union struggled to find critical points as they lost 1-0 against DC United on Saturday. It was their team’s first league loss since August 15 but every point is critically needed at this point.
Philadelphia started off September with a bang winning two-straight against Toronto FC. Since then, they have cooled off since.
In two critical games at home in league play, the Union tied both New York Red Bulls and the Houston Dynamo. They had the chance win critical “six-point” games, but they dropped the ball and critical points. On Saturday they took on DC United and looked slow, sluggish, and disconnected in the loss.
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This does not bode well for the Union as they face another Eastern Conference foe on Thursday. Under the national lights on ESPN2, Philadelphia hosts the Chicago Fire. They must take the initiative against the Fire and attack early and often against the Fire.
To keep themselves in the playoff picture, Philadelphia must come away with three points. Nothing less will be acceptable or else their playoff dreams will move into the rearview mirror and the Union will be dreaming what could have been.
It’s playoffs or bust for the Union in their fifth year. In their previous four years, they’ve only made the playoffs once.
For the Union to have any chance of making the MLS playoffs, they must take care of business against the Chicago Fire. From there they face the Columbus Crew twice in their final game. The other game is against Sporting Kansas City.
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Thursday’s game against the Fire starts a three-game home stand. The Union have the opportunity to still make the playoffs, but they must seize the moment. Philadelphia has somewhat of a favorable schedule, but they can’t let up on any opponent. However, all of their opponents are all have the same goal: make the MLS Playoffs.
Philadelphia needs to end their disappointing stretch and step it up starting Thursday if they have any chance of making the MLS playoffs. If they win Thursday, the Union have more control of their destiny but will need favorable results from other games within the Eastern Conference as well.
In the end, their playoff hopes are slim at this point. However, crazy things occur in sports every week and there is a reason every game is played. The organization isn’t giving up hope yet and neither should you just yet.