Can The Union Build On Their Big Win In KC?
By Matt Leon
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- It was a desperately needed victory for the Philadelphia Union on Wednesday night as they traveled out to Missouri and stunned the defending MLS Cup champions Sporting Kansas City, 2-1, behind goals from Danny Cruz and Cristian Maidana.
The victory snapped a nine-game winless streak for the Union and improved them to 2-5-5 on the season. It also gave them a shot of confidence heading into another tough match-up on Saturday as the New England Revolution visit Chester.
Sporting KC and New England are tied at the top of the Eastern Conference standings, each team has 17 points thanks to 5-3-2 records. Ironically, Philadelphia's two wins this season have now come against those top two teams. Back on March 15th, Philadelphia defeated New England 1-0. The Revolution actually started the season very slow, 1-3-1. But they have gone 4-0-1 since to surge into that tie at the top of the conference.
Philadelphia is juggling some personnel issues as they prepare for their 3rd match in 8 days. MF Maurice Edu is with the US National Team, MF Brian Carroll didn't play Wednesday as he battles a groin injury. MF Corben Bone will miss Saturday after getting one of the quickest red cards ever against Sporting KC, and D Fábinho will be out due to yellow card accumulation.
KYW's Matt Leon spoke with Union play-by-play man J.P. Dellacamera about Wednesday night's win and what to expect on Saturday.
You can follow Matt on Twitter @mattleonkyw.