LAFC vs. Philadelphia Union: Three Questions

Los Angeles Football Club have one game in the books in the 2020 MLS regular season, with their second on tap Sunday night against the Philadelphia Union at The Banc. To get us ready for the clash with a window on the opponent, I chatted with Matt Ralph of SB Nation’s Union site Brotherly Game. Many thanks to Matt for taking the time to answer my questions!

Angels on Parade asks Brotherly Game:

How did Week 1 go for the Union and what are the general hopes and expectations coming into the 2020 season?

The offseason was one filled with expectation and excitement for the fanbase thanks to the permanent signing of Jamiro Monteiro and a few other newcomers so it was a real downer to see them stumble out of the gate with a 2-0 loss at FC Dallas. The team made so much progress last year and finally won a playoff game yet Saturday wasn’t much different than what happened when they opened the season in Frisco in 2016: a 2-0 loss on a pair of goals conceded after halftime.

Any newcomers that you’re especially intrigued or excited about for Philadelphia this year?

Jakob Glesnes was a somewhat unexpected center back addition in the offseason in that he’s a TAM defender who is 25 and was a captain in Norway. He won the start over Jack Elliott in week 1 and had a decent if inconsistent performance in his MLS debut. Matej Oravec and Jose Andres Martinez didn’t play in the season opener to the surprise of fans, who had expected the decision for the No. 6 position to be a battle to be between Oravec and Martinez. Veteran Warren Creavalle made the start and will likely be the starter again on Sunday.

Many of our readers will remember Jim Curtin’s run in Los Angeles. He’s been at the helm quite a while at this point — what’s the fanbase’s opinion of him at this stage?

Feelings about Jim tend to be mixed; if he’s winning not much is said; if he’s losing it’s Curtin Out. Right now the fanbase seems to be fully on board the Ernst Tanner Express while perhaps waiting for Curtin to mess up and get himself fired. For a local guy who has been with the team as long as he has it’s surprising how little respect he gets, honestly.

Prediction for Sunday’s match?

2-1 LAFC.

What do you think? Leave a comment below!