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Ryan Strauss
Industrialist, amateur sociologist, digital currency advocate.

Philadelphia Union 2016: Preview

Predictions for the MLS season ahead. (#Day52)

The Philadelphia Union enter the 2016 season with an optimistic yet familiar feel.

With a remodeled roster which had been crafted over the offseason by newly appointed Sporting Director Earnie Stewart, the team will look towards its midfield and defense to carry them to the playoffs for the first time since 2011.

With 6 out of the 10 Eastern Conference sides set to get into the October Classic that is the MLS Cup Playoffs, the Chester Boys in Blue certainly stand a chance to advance back to the post season. Another Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup run should not be out of the question, either.

Injuries and international absences will test the depth of the team. Thankfully, Matt Jones and John McCarthy will provide plenty of cover in goal. Look for Andre Blake to have a breakout year, too.

It’s quite clear that the team has more depth than they’ve ever had. The league has evolved quickly in the last 3 years, and the Union are finally starting to keep pace. Acquisitions such as Edu, Nogeuira, Barnetta, Ilsinho, and Alberg all show that this team is for real. It’s just a matter of putting it together on the field and grinding out results.

At least we’re not the Chicago Fire or pre-2013 Toronto FC..

Here are ten bold predictions for the Union 2016 season:

  1. Leo Fernandes starts more than 15 games.
  2. Andre Blake named to MLS All Star game.
  3. Roland Alberg proves to be a massive threat off the bench, similar to Marco Pappa.
  4. Ken Tribbett starts on opening night vs. Dallas on Sunday.
  5. Maurice Edu returns to the team and plays… Center Defense.
  6. Look for Barnetta to play some CDM next to Vincent Nogeuira.
  7. Erik Ayuk will play in 14+ games for the Union in total.
  8. Sebastian Le Toux and Chris Pontius will see significant time at Forward this year.
  9. John McCarthy will start during the U.S. Open Cup early round games.
  10. The Union will win the 2016 Open Cup on the road, at Seattle.

Predicted record: 13 wins -13 losses -8 draws (47 points, 6th place in East).

Leading goal scorer: Sebastian Le Toux, 13 goals.

Leader in assists: Ilsinho, 9 assists.

Defensive player of the year: Richie Marquez.

What do you think? How will the Union fare this season?

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Originally published at chesterblues.com on March 2, 2016.

#Day52 , #100DaysOfBlogging