FC Dallas began the 2015 season with back-to-back wins and will be looking for its third straight when it takes on Philadelphia Union at PPL Park on Friday.
Philadelphia will be looking to vent some frustrations after starting the season with two draws in games they could have easily won.
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It will be a tall order for the Union as FC Dallas finished on top of the Week 2 MLS Power Rankings.
Injury Watch
Philly will be without keeper Andre Blake and forward C.J. Sapong while midfielder Danny Cruz was loaned to Norwegian side Bodo/Glimt this week.
Key Matchups
Blas Perez vs Steven Vitoria- Perez is pacing the high-octane offense of FC Dallas and it will be up to the Philadelphia backline, including Vitoria, to limit him and the other Dallas forwards. Vitoria joined Philadelphia in February on loan from Benfica of Portugal’s Primera Liga.
Matt Hedges vs Fernando Aristeguieta- In Philly’s 3-3 draw against UCLA, Aristeguieta fought for 23 50/50 balls, took five shots (three on target) and was responsible for two goals.
Key Player for Philadelphia
Aristeguieta- The 22-year-old forward scored nine goals for FC Nantes in 45 appearances before joining the Union this season. He has two of Philly’s three goals this season and is coming into his own in Philly.
Projected Lineup
Goalkeeper: Rais M’bolhi; Backline: Sheanon Williams, Ethan White, Steven Vitoria, Raymon Gaddis; Midfield: Maurice Edu, Vincent Nogueira, Sebastian Le Toux, Christian Maidana; Andrew Wegner Forward: Fernando Aristeguieta.
Keys to three points
FC Dallas has been on a roll as of late and to continue their hot-streak, Dallas needs to keep the offensive pressure high and lean on its strikers.
INFOGRAPH: FC DALLAS AT PHILADELPHIA UNION
Philadelphia needs another big game from Aristeguieta and a better showing from their backline. FCD has a lot of weapons on offense, so Union will have its hands full.
With its recent number one ranking in the MLS Power Rankings, FC Dallas has a target on its back and Philly’s going to be looking to upset them.
There is also the danger of becoming too confident and expecting to win. So, FC Dallas will need to come out hungry on Friday to secure the victory.
