Starting XI & Game Preview: Philadelphia Union vs Colorado Rapids

Game two of three in a span of eight days has the Colorado Rapids traveling to the city of Brotherly Love as they take on the Philadelphia Union tonight.

The Union sit second in the Eastern Conference with 24 points, just one point below DC United, although Philadelphia are 1-2-3 when playing the Rapids at home. The Union may sit near the top of the standings, but are on a slight downswing having failed to score a goal against Seattle in a 0-0 draw two weeks ago, then losing to Portland 3-1 last weekend.

A midweek game means both teams might see a few changes to their starting lineup with lingering injuries and minimal time to recover, it’s no surprise when it comes to making some minor changes.

The Union are relatively healthy and expect a blank injury list ahead of the match today.

For the Rapids, Tim Howard and Danny Wilson are listed as questionable with hamstring concerns. In this case, we might see Clint Irwin make his first start of the season. Since Danny Wilson was not in the starting line up last week, there may have been a chance he would have been called upon tonight but that is unlikely now. Sam Nicholson has been working very hard and might be given a chance to rest, but if he is anywhere near 100% it’s a high probability that he will be ready to go come kickoff. The other option for change is Lalas Abubakar, who is eligible to play once again.

The Union is Keegan Rosenberry’s old club, Pennsylvania is his home state, and it is very likely he will be on his A game in front of a familiar crowd. Interim Head Coach Conor Casey spent some time in Philly too and how bittersweet would it be to see another Rapids legend coach his team to a win in Philadelphia?

Starting XI: Clint Irwin, Keegan Rosenberry, Lalas Abubakar, Tommy Smith, Deklan Wynne, Johan Blomberg, Cole Bassett, Kellyn Acosta, Nicolas Mezquida, Diego Rubio, Andre Shinyashiki

Officials:

Referee: Tim Ford

Assistant Referees: Brian Dunn, Michael Kampmeinert

4th Official: Rubiel Vazquez

VAR: Sorin Stoica

Colorado

OUT: Kortne Ford (knee)

QUESTIONABLE: Tim Howard (hamstring), Danny Wilson (hamstring)

Suspended: None

Philadelphia

OUT: None

QUESTIONABLE: None

International Duty: Mark McKenzie (D), Matthew Real (D)

Suspended: None

How to Watch

Match Date/Time: Wednesday, May 29th at 5:30 pm MT

Venue: Talen Energy Stadium — Chester, PA

TV Information: AltitudeTV

Radio: ALTITUDE950

Live Stream: ESPN+ (subscription required)

Watch Party Locations: Blue Spruce Brewery, Celtic on Market, Frolic Brewing Co.