Interim Philadelphia Union coach John Hackworth seems to have things pointed north at PPL Park, where a new infusion of confidence has shown the Union to wins in four of its last five.
But looking at the standings, finding a way into the 2012 playoffs looks awful tricky. It’s certainly not beyond the question; again, the Union is showing terrific signs of life.
Trouble is, half the Eastern Conference teams will not get a post-season berth, and a lot of damage was done to the Union playoff chances in March, April and May. And the competition is tough. New England is playing well and a Columbus team that’s always tough to beat will remain in the conversation. And those are teams that currently are above the Union but not currently occupying playoff positions. So, in order to concoct a scenario where Philadelphia breaks the post-season seal, you’d have to pick out which three teams they’ll pass.
Expansion Montreal could be had. Chicago or Houston? Maybe, but that wouldn’t be easy; they’ll win their share over the next three months. New York, D.C. United or Sporting Kansas City? I just don’t see that.
So all of that makes tonight’s contest against Sporting Kansas City at PPL Park absolutely vital. No, a trip to the U.S. Open Cup final and a chance at the secondary trophy is not tantamount to success in MLS playoffs – but it’s something. And an increasingly meaningful “something at that.”
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- ndnut - Jul 11, 2012 at 2:07 PM
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Will it be a Di Matteo/Chelsea situation where emphasis and superior lineup is in Cup matches but not in League play? This could be an interesting watch since SKC has a better shot at MLS Cup or the Supporters’ Shield and Philly U really has nothing to lose in going all out for this game.
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- jelliot1978 - Jul 11, 2012 at 3:56 PM
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While I do think they have work to do to become a playoff team, the Union do have a game or two in hand over everyone except Columbus. “IF” they won their two games in hand the would be only 2 points behind Houston for the 5th spot. There is still a lot of Soccer to be played in the second half of the season. They can’t afford a lot of losses, and you figure they can’t keep their current form up for to long, but if they win more then they lose then they will be in contention for the final spot.
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- tylerbetts - Jul 11, 2012 at 10:32 PM
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While I appreciate the story of the team using the Cup to make something in a lost season, I’d be much more interested in seeing if SKC or SSFC can win the Cup-Shield-Cup treble. That would be an amazing feat in MLS – a true testament to depth, clutch, and consistency.
