Over the next month I will be putting out a series of previews for MLS (not The) this season. I know you are all wondering why should I care about MLS, however here are a couple facts to get you going.

• Since 2007 the league has gone from 13 to 24 teams (and counting)
• Last year MLS added a new team in LA owned by Will Ferrell, Magic Johnson, Nomar Garciaparra, and Mia Hamm!
• Soccer has the longest run time of the 4 major sports in 90 minutes, however because there’s no commercials the game only lasts 2 hours.
• Great players such as Josef Martinez, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Carlos Vela, and many many more come to a tv near you every week!
• ESPN+ has made it very easy to find each game every week.

Philadelphia Union

Owner: Keystone Sports and Entertainment LLC

Coach: Jim Curtin

Previous Season Record: 15-14-5 6th in East

U.S. Open Cup 2018: Runner Up

Top Scorer: Fafa Picault, Cory Burke 10 Goals

Stadium: Talen Energy Stadium

2018 Recap

Last year, simply put, was the Union’s best season in the MLS. They had the most points they have ever had, and had the most away wins they have had as well. They also had Borek Dockal on loan who led the MLS in assists with 18. They fought tooth and nail to get to the playoffs under coach Curtin and accomplished that goal.

Now, coach is going into this off season looking to try and keep the team together and try and build something real.

Off Season Transactions

*A couple things to highlight here:

• Relatively quiet off season to be honest.
• Marco Fabian could be a low key huge addition for the attack.
• Boreck Dockal is not mentioned but his loan ended, which a MASSIVE loss.

2019 Outlook

Unfortunately for the Union it seems like they lost more than they gained this off season. Obviously, losing Dockal is a killer because even if you have Accam, Sapong, and Burke who is going to pass it to them? Alejandro Bedoya does not seem to be the same player, and Warren Creavalle did not inspire much when he was given a chance. So this team seems like a prime candidate to take a step back.

The offense comes down to having a lot of faith in new signing Marco Fabian in order to make sure the talented front line gets good opportunities. And the defense comes down to keeping the chemistry they have and having a bend don’t break attitude.

I believe they will take a step back, but not too far, only because the east is so talented this year. So they will be fighting with teams like New England and Columbus for those lower playoff spots. I think they find themselves on the outside looking in when push comes to shove though.