The Philadelphia Union will look to extend their unbeaten streak to three in a row to open the season when they host the Seattle Sounders on Saturday in Chester, Pa.
The Union (0-0-2, 2 points) played the Chicago Fire FC to a 2-2 draw and then earned a 1-1 draw at Sporting Kansas City on March 2.
Philadelphia has dealt with a challenging schedule in between league matches. It played CF Pachuca to a scoreless draw in the first leg of the Round of 16 in CONCACAF Champions League on Tuesday.
Three-time Major League Soccer Goalkeeper of the Year Andre Blake returned from an adductor injury to make three saves.
“It’s great to have the best goalkeeper in our league back behind us now,” Union coach Jim Curtin said.
The Union will continue to rely on their depth against Seattle after Jack Elliott (red card) and Damion Lowe (yellow card accumulation) weren’t available in the Champions League match.
Nathan Harriel stepped in to play center back at a high level.
“He did a fantastic job, and that’s how a good soccer player should be,” Blake said of Harriel. “He should be able to play anywhere on the back line. I’m really proud of Nate.”
The Sounders (0-1-1, 1 point) began the season with a 2-1 loss to host Los Angeles FC and then had a scoreless draw with Austin FC on March 2.
The Sounders will be without Pedro de la Vega for six to eight weeks with a right hamstring injury.
“He feels pretty confident about it,” Seattle coach Brian Schmetzer said. “But we’re going to take it easy to make sure that he’s completely fit so this doesn’t happen again. There are some issues there the trainers want to get right before we proceed.
“That certainly was a blow because you guys saw glimpses of how good and how influential he can be.”
The Sounders have struggled to create scoring opportunities in the first two matches.
Seattle’s lone goal against LAFC came on de la Vega’s penalty kick.
“I see everyone’s frustrated with the result on the weekend,” forward Jordan Morris said. “So, we’re just working on ways to score more goals, and I think everyone is just looking forward to getting back out there.”
–Field Level Media
