NYCFC wary of facing reinvigorated Union (Jun 03, 2017)

By AP
Published

The Philadelphia Union are not the same team that New York City FC defeated in mid-April.

Since that 2-0 loss at home to NYCFC, the Union have won five of their last eight with two draws heading into Saturday's rematch at Yankee Stadium.

NYCFC coach Patrick Vieira repeatedly reminded his team this week exactly what it is facing Saturday.

"This is a completely different team to the one we faced in Philly," Vieira told the team's website. "They have a lot more confidence than they used to have -- they managed to win five of their last six games.

"They are playing well, they are in a good period, so we have to concentrate and focus because we don't want to give them chances or opportunities to score goals. We have to be smart and concentrate from the start to the end."

The Union had a franchise-best four-game win streak snapped by a 1-0 loss to Real Salt Lake last weekend.

Philadelphia has surrendered just two goals in its last six games. Union goalkeeper Andre Blake had seven saves last week against Real Salt Lake and is one shutout away from tying his career high in a season with five.

While Philadelphia arrives in good form, NYCFC is banged up and struggling, with injuries and international call-ups taking a toll during a five-game stretch that has seen it win only once.

Forward Khiry Shelton (hamstring) and midfielder Andrew Pirlo (knee) have been ruled out, and defender Ronald Matarrita (ankle) is listed as questionable.

David Villa and Jack Harrison scored for NYCFC in the earlier win over the Union.

Villa leads MLS in shots with 52 and is third in goals with eight. He has been held without a goal in the last two matches, though. Villa's next goal will be the 50th of his MLS career.

Vieira is hoping it happens Saturday in front of the home crowd.

"It's always good to be at home -- we've been away for a few games and that was a big challenge," Vieira said. "We always want to be back and to be playing in front of our fans and it's going to be a tough game for us, especially knowing that we didn't get the result we wanted against New England.

"It will be important for us to try to win the game because when you look at the last five matches we played, it will be important for us before the break."