In this edition of Oppo Research, Hudson River Blue caught up with Joe Lister of Philadelphia Soccer Now, the excellent successor to Brotherly Game, to get the dirt on Philadelphia Union, New York City FC’s suddenly dangerous-looking opponent in Matchday 14. Lister is good people even though he supports the Union: Read on to learn more in this NYCFC vs Philadelphia game preview.
Hudson River Blue: Philadelphia Union are on a tear after stumbling through the start of the season — advancing in the CONCACAF Champions League can be a poison chalice. What’s the feeling in the #DOOP kingdom these days?
Joe Lister: If you asked that question two weeks ago, I would’ve had a very different answer. However, after Saturday’s match against the New England Revolution, it looks like the Union finally turned the corner. The first half of the match wasn’t pretty. But those three goals in the second half showed fans exactly what they want to see.
The Union shot from ninth to fifth in the Eastern Conference in just a few games, and it feels like their back in the hunt, right on schedule. Philadelphia snagged 10 points from a possible 12 in the month of May, and they’re certainly a team to look out for. Fans are seeing those changes very tangibly. After questioning the value of Jim Curtin a few weeks ago, they’re all aboard the Curtin wagon.
