Philadelphia Union Season Preview
by OSC Special Edition
February 28, 2017 - Major League Soccer (MLS)
In 2016, the Philadelphia Union was a relatively young team that showed great potential. However, in some instances, some naivety reared its ugly head, resulting in the club finishing sixth on the Eastern Conference table.
Despite the fact that they did not have the best of seasons last year, they still managed to make it to the playoffs, but the collapse witnessed in the late-season was a huge concern. The offseason came and went and there is now a renewed optimism in the team. This is not only because of the extra year of maturity, but also from integral acquisitions the club has brought in to bolster the squad.
The first half of the season last year went well just like the Union had anticipated. They even climbed to the top position of the Eastern Conference after a victory on June 22, 2016 against Chicago Fire. However, that resilience faded away in the last few months of the regular season due to defensive woes and an inconsistent attack. This predestined Philadelphia Union to a slide (4-10-4) during the second half of the season that nearly wrecked their chances of landing a playoff spot. Sadly, the team lost their game in the knockout round to Toronto FC.
Philadelphia Union has a clear initiative as they move forward and its coaching staff, Stewart and Jim Curtin as the head coach, are well aware of the club's goals. The Union made key acquisitions and brought in great players to fill in the voids that greatly resulted in last season's defeats.
The club has signed Haris Medunjanin, a Bosnian defensive midfielder who doubles up as an excellent passer. Most pundits believe that he will help Philadelphia Union improve their ball possession ability. By acquiring Medunjanin, the Union seems replaced the void left by Nogueira (second half of 2016).
Other notable acquisitions for Philadelphia Union include Oguchi Onyewu, a veteran defender, who has already impressed coaches and brings a lot of experience to the defensive line. Jay Simpson and Fafa Picault are other new players who are expected to reinforce the Union's attack.
Simpson will be competing for the main/lead striker role while Picault will bring the element of speed. Pundits had earlier pointed out the need for this element in the Union. Giliano Wijnaldum, a Dutch fullback is expected to compete against Fabinho for a starting position at left back, while rookies Marcus Epps and Adam Najem could get more playing minutes if they continue to shine.
Philadelphia Union has, without a doubt, greatly improved on paper, but the actual test of their increased talent will be put to the test in the new season.
The Union has ensured it has depth and quality in every midfield position and this will improve further with the return of Maurice Edu (injury). Pundits believe that the pressure will be on C.J. Sapong, who had been under a dry-spell in front of goal since the second half of the season. Vegas Odds favor the Philadelphia Union 33-1 to win the 2017 MLS Cup.
Get more info on MLS Opening Weekend here.
• Discuss this story on the Major League Soccer message board...
Major League Soccer Stories from February 28, 2017
- Columbus Crew SC Season Preview - OSC Original by OSC Special Edition
- Columbus Crew SC Season Preview - OSC Original by OSC Special Edition
- Columbus Crew SC Season Preview - OSC Original by OSC Special Edition
- Philadelphia Union Season Preview - OSC Original by OSC Special Edition
- Philadelphia Union Season Preview - OSC Original by OSC Special Edition
- Philadelphia Union Season Preview - OSC Original by OSC Special Edition
- New England Revolution Season Preview - OSC Original by OSC Special Edition
- New England Revolution Season Preview - OSC Original by OSC Special Edition
- New England Revolution Season Preview - OSC Original by OSC Special Edition
- Seattle Sounders FC Season Preview - OSC Original by OSC Special Edition
- Seattle Sounders FC Season Preview - OSC Original by OSC Special Edition
- Seattle Sounders FC Season Preview - OSC Original by OSC Special Edition
- Houston Dynamo Quotes- Tuesday February 28 - Houston Dynamo FC
- Atlanta United FC Season Preview - OSC Original by OSC Special Edition
- Audi Executive Club to be Introduced at Rio Tinto Stadium During March 4 RSL Season Opener - Real Salt Lake
- New York City FC Introduces Maxi Moralez - New York City FC
- Sounders FC Finalizes Technical Staff for 2017 Season - Seattle Sounders FC
- Revolution's Revamped Backline Faces First Test in Saturday's Opener - New England Revolution
- Impact Games to be Broadcast on 98.5FM, TSN Radio 690 & CJAD 800 in 2017 - Club de Foot Montreal
- Vancouver Whitecaps FC Season Preview - OSC Original by OSC Special Edition
- Vancouver Whitecaps FC Season Preview - OSC Original by OSC Special Edition
- Vancouver Whitecaps FC Season Preview - OSC Original by OSC Special Edition
- MLS Adds Two Off-Budget Roster Spots for Homegrown Players - Vancouver Whitecaps FC
- Orlando City SC Season Preview - OSC Original by OSC Special Edition
- Orlando City SC Season Preview - OSC Original by OSC Special Edition
- Orlando City SC Season Preview - OSC Original by OSC Special Edition
- D.C. United Season Preview - OSC Original by OSC Special Edition
- Toronto FC Season Preview - OSC Original by Rachael Mesnik
- Toronto FC Season Preview - OSC Original by Rachael Mesnik
- Toronto FC Season Preview - OSC Original by Rachael Mesnik
- New York Red Bulls FC Season Preview - OSC Original by Rachael Mesnik
- New York Red Bulls FC Season Preview - OSC Original by Rachael Mesnik
- New York Red Bulls FC Season Preview - OSC Original by Rachael Mesnik
- Defender Daniel Lovitz Joins the Impact - Club de Foot Montreal
- MLS Returns for 22nd Season Boasting New Teams, New Young Talent, and World-Class Stadiums - MLS
- New York Red Bulls Name Denis Hamlett Sporting Director - New York Red Bulls
- Possible Scenarios for Thursday's Champions League - Vancouver Whitecaps FC
The opinions expressed in this article are those of the writer(s), and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.