CHESTER, Pa. -- The Union are becoming experts on road atmosphere.
After working through lively Red Bull Arena last week, the Union know exactly what to expect when they face the playoff-hungry New England Revolution on Sunday at Gillette Stadium.
“It’ll be a game where we have to go into a hostile environment and play a New England team that is playing very well and pushing to get in playoff position,” Union coach John Hackworth said. “This game will have a playoff feel to it and we’ll have to be really good again.”
Hackworth isn’t exaggerating when he declares Sunday a playoff-style matchup.
Within three points of the final Eastern Conference playoff spot, the 9-9-6 Revolution, led by Diego Fagundez and Juan Agudelo, are coming off an impressive 2-0 home victory over the charging Chicago Fire. The win put the Revs five points behind the 10-7-8 Union and six points away from leading the entire conference.
“When you have the Eastern Conference games where the opponents are so close, it will have huge implications,” the coach said. “Especially as we get closer to the end of the season.”
But while the Revs may come armed with desperation, the Union have revenge on their minds.
The Revolution dominated a lifeless visiting Union side, 2-0, back on April 27. Since then, the team has been eagerly waiting for redemption.
“Both teams have changed a lot and improved as the season has gone on,” Hackworth said. “That sets up for this game being difficult for both of us. We didn’t play well last time we were up there. I think it might of been one of our poorer performances on the year. Knowing that we didn’t play well up there gives our guys a little incentive to rectify that situation.”
The players agreed.
“They are pushing for the last playoff spot and we’re fighting for the playoffs, so it’ll be a tough game,” Union goalkeeper Zac MacMath said. “The last time we went up there, it was one our worst games of the year. Hopefully we can go in there and play the way we’ve been playing and get a good result.”
Though the Union are facing the best defensive team in MLS, Hackworth’s club isn’t far behind.
Coming off their best defensive game of the season in a scoreless draw against the New York Red Bulls at Red Bull Arena, the Union have registered four shutouts in their last five games. Led by Amobi Okugo, Jeff Parke and MacMath, a defensive resurgence suddenly finds the Union just one point away from Sporting Kansas City for the conference lead.
“While I think we’ve been pretty good, the performance against New York was exceptional,” Hackworth said. “They were at full strength and at the same time, we did an unbelievable job shutting them down. We didn’t give up a lot in the final third and the looks they got weren’t great. When I look back at that game, the little details, I was impressed. It was the best we’ve done it all year.”
Yet, while the Union’s defense has strengthened, it’s the team’s attack that could be of concern.
Leading goal-scorer Jack McInerney hasn’t found the net in eight games (since June 1). And while Conor Casey has been carrying the load with nine goals in 16 games, the Union have just four goals in their last five matches.
“[McInerney] is still a guy we believe in and despite the fact that he hasn’t found the back of the net, we still think he’s contributing to our success and that’s the most important thing,” Hackworth said. “I don’t think he’s getting any credit for some of the work he’s done and his play outside of scoring. As long as we’re successful as a team, Jack’s successful.”
Though McInerney is slumping, the Union will receive some offensive punch from left back Fabinho, who will once again replace injured Ray Gaddis. The Brazilian was instrumental in the draw against the Red Bulls and has two assists in six games with the Union.
Gaddis has no helpers in 23 games this season and just one in the last two years.
“Fabinho has come in and done very well with his opportunity,” Hackworth said. “I also think it shows the process by which we’ve been training as a group is working. Fabinho is a different player than Ray, but it’s been good for us. It’s nice to have a guy come in during the summer transfer window and contribute on both sides of the ball the way he is.
“Once Ray is back, there will definitely be a serious battle for that position.”