Two sliding sides desperate for three points square off when the Philadelphia Union visit Toronto FC on Saturday.
The Union (4-9-9, 21 points) are winless in their past nine matches (0-5-4) and have just one victory in their past 16, back on May 18, going 1-9-6 in that span. Toronto (7-13-3, 24 points) has lost six in a row and is winless in its past nine (0-7-2). The Reds, whose last win was also May 18, are 1-9-2 in their past 12.
“We’re both struggling, both not where we want to be,” Philadelphia coach Jim Curtin said. “I think both have more quality within their group than the point total shows. But I’ve said it before you are what your record says you are, and we have to find a way to get a result.”
Philadelphia is coming off a 0-0 draw against the New York Red Bulls in which backup goalkeeper Andrew Rick earned his first career MLS shutout. The draw snapped a five-match losing streak.
Starting goalkeeper Andre Blake rejoined the team for training Thursday and was slated to do so again Friday. Blake, who last played April 27, underwent meniscus surgery May 28. He’s listed as questionable for Saturday, with Curtin noting that if he’s ready, he’ll play.
Blake could be one of several returnees to the Union lineup. After Damion Lowe and Alejandro Bedoya came back last week, midfielder Jesus Bueno and forward Mikael Uhre will both be available Saturday. Curtin said it’s also possible Jose Martinez joins the team on the trip after representing Venezuela at Copa America.
“We’re getting stronger, but not at full strength,” he said.
Philadelphia will be without midfielder Jack McGlynn and defender Nate Harriel, both off to the Olympics.
Toronto is coming off a 4-0 loss to the Columbus Crew in MLS play last week and a 2-1 loss to the Hamilton Forge in a midweek Canadian Championship match.
It’s been a struggle on both side of the pitch for the Reds, who have been outscored 17-4 during their MLS losing streak and 23-9 during their winless stretch. They’ve been shut out twice in the past four matches.
“When you’re on a run like this, confidence is ebbing and flowing so you are more susceptible to the big moments,” Toronto coach John Herdman said.
Lorenzo Insigne is third on the team with four goals but hasn’t tallied since June 15, a span of five MLS matches and six across all competitions.
–Field Level Media
