Union Try to Solve Uncharacteristic Home Woes vs. Charlotte FC
The Philadelphia Union will aim to end both a winless drought and their uncharacteristic struggles at home when they host Charlotte FC on Saturday in Chester, Pa.
Philadelphia Union’s Home Struggles
The Union lost just four home matches combined during the 2020-23 seasons, but they have already surpassed that mark with their 1-5-3 home record during the 2024 campaign. This unexpected lack of success at home has fueled the Union’s poor 1-6-4 showing in their last 11 matches and their current five-match winless streak (0-2-3).
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Recent Form and Defensive Issues
Philadelphia (4-6-8, 20 points) nearly secured a memorable road result at FC Cincinnati on Wednesday but instead suffered a heartbreaking 4-3 loss in one of the season’s wildest matches. The Union fought back to equalize three times, but Cincinnati star Luciano Acosta collected the winning tally 10 minutes into second-half stoppage time.
“Right now everything hits the back of the net, and that’s just how it is. I think guys are defending a little differently than they normally would to maybe try to help and overcompensate. We have to remain aggressive, trust each other … Some very preventable plays in there.”
Jim Curtin reflected on the defensive issues
Previous Encounter with Charlotte FC
Charlotte (8-6-5, 29 points) and Philadelphia played to a 0-0 draw on May 25 in their previous meeting. It was one of a league-high eight clean sheets for Charlotte FC, and Charlotte’s 20 goals allowed are the second-lowest total in the league.
Charlotte FC’s Resilience
Charlotte is 2-0-1 in its last three matches, including a 2-2 home result with Orlando City on Wednesday. Scott Arfield was issued a red card in the 38th minute, but Charlotte FC hung on for the draw despite being outshot 25-11 and holding only 39.5 percent of possession.
“To be down to 10 men with 60 minutes (left) is incredible and it just shows what we’re building here,” midfielder Ashley Westwood said. “We have a never-say-die attitude and the lads will work for each other. We’ve got a really good point in the end, maybe could’ve won the game.”
Key Players
Kerwin Vargas is on a two-match scoring streak and leads Charlotte FC with four goals this season. For Philadelphia, Daniel Gazdag leads the team with 10 goals, making him a crucial player as the Union seek to turn their fortunes around.
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Conclusion
As Philadelphia Union prepares to host Charlotte FC, both teams have clear objectives. Philadelphia aims to end their home struggles and break their winless streak, while Charlotte looks to continue their resilient form and capitalize on their defensive solidity. The match promises to be a test of character and tactical execution for both sides.
“We have to remain aggressive, trust each other … Some very preventable plays in there.”
– Jim Curtin