The Philadelphia Union came so close last season, like their fellow teams of Philly, falling short in the final game. Our very own varsity soccer team here at Neumann is very optimistic about the team this year. Here are their top predictions for the season.
First Round Exit
The most agreed upon finish for the Union was a first round exit with many believing that the Union can turn things around in the upcoming weeks. Connor Ryan said, “They will definitely turn around and make the playoffs, but their struggles will catch them in the first round.”
Chimdi Ekwem had a similar opinion saying “There is no chance they make it past the first round. They lost two big players in Aaronson and Burke in the offseason.”
Second Round Exit
The second most agreed upon finish for the Union was a second round exit. Anthony Sciotto from men’s soccer said, “Although they are having a very slow start, I believe that they will tighten up and make the playoffs again. But I do not believe they will make it past the second round.”
Miss the Playoffs
The third yet least common prediction from the men’s soccer team here on campus is that due to the increase in games this year as well as the loss of crucial players, the Union will completely miss out on the playoffs this year. One player said, “The poor form they are in to start the season off is only a sign of what's to come for the rest of the year.”
The runners-up from last year came into the season with high expectations, but the Philadelphia Union were met with the harsh reality that things will not be as easy as they were last year. With 25 games left there is a good chance the Union can make the playoffs but the likelihood of a top seed finish like the previous season is very unlikely.
You need to look no further than your very own men's soccer team though to see how quickly a season can turn around as after nine games they were sitting with a record of 2-6-1. They turned around in the second half of the season, made it all the way to conference finals and played in the ECAC tournament.