Philadelphia Union vs CF Montréal – The Philly Soccer Site

Photo credit: Marjorie Elzey

WHO: Philadelphia Union vs CF Montreal

What: MLS Regular Season, Matchday 18

Where: Subaru Park, Chester, Pennsylvania

When: Saturday, June 1, 7:30 p.m. EST

Regard: MLS Season Pass on Apple TV

Pipe: To be announced

On the eve of the June FIFA international transfer window, Philadelphia Union hosts CF Montréal at Subaru Park. The Union have not won their last five home games, most recently fighting to a scoreless draw with Toronto FC on Wednesday night. They will look to end their losing streak at home against a Montréal team that has won just two away games so far this season and is 13th in the Eastern Conference at 4-7-4.

Montreal leads the overall series against Philadelphia 10-9-9.

Scouting report: CF Montréal

After their 4-2 win over DC United on Wednesday, Montrealers come to Subaru Park looking to pick up points for the third straight game and move up the Eastern Conference standings. Leading the way is Nigerian striker Sunusi Ibrahim, who has scored seven goals in his career as a substitute for CF Montréal. The club record currently stands at eight and is held by Anthony Jackson-Hamel.

Montréal has three players who are currently just one warning away from a suspension/fine: Mathieu Choinière (CM), Ariel Lassiter (Left), Samuel Piette (DM).

Injury report: Matias Coccaro (Out), Ousman Jabang (Out), Lassi Lappalainen (Out), Josef Martinez (Out), Mahala Opoku (Out), Mason Toye (Out)

Scouting Report: Philadelphia Union

New month, new union?

Union will be looking to put May's problems behind them and extend their recent home winning streak. After three games without conceding a goal in a row, the defense is starting to find its stride, while the offense continues to rely on trial and error. Union has not scored a goal in 362 minutes of play against eleven men. With the inevitable (and impending) departure of Julian Carranza, Union will need players to step up and become goal scorers.

Damion Lowe is currently Philadelphia's only player who is one warning away from a suspension/fine.

Injury Report: Andre Blake (Out), Isaiah LeFlore (Out)

Duel to watch: Union Offense against itself

Blake Zuschnitt summed it up best in his tactical analysis of the Toronto game: “What was once an undeniable home advantage has become home fear.”

Jim Curtin said in his post-match press conference: “The boys are certainly a little nervous at home and afraid of making mistakes and that's not how we should play.”

With Carranza back in the game and the defense gaining stability, what does the offense need to do to shake off its fears?

Notable player: Leon Flach

It's no secret that Flach has brought a new player into the team. Although he hasn't yet proven that he can consistently create good skills and chances in the future, he holds the foundation of the midfield.

Prediction: Philadelphia Union 1 – 0 CF Montréal

With Julian Carranza likely returning to the lineup, the Union should be even more electrifying than they were on Wednesday night. With Leon Flach back, the defense can find its footing, now it's time for the offense to do its part.