Wednesday's news of Borek Dockal signing with the Philadelphia Union provided a sigh of relief for Union fans everywhere. The long-awaited attacking midfielder not only provides a solution for a position of need, but allows the rest of the offensive weapons on this squad to thrive at their positions. While the attacking core of this Union team is far from the most potent on paper across Major League Soccer, there are blue chip pieces on this squad that can wreak havoc should they gel in the ways expected by head coach Jim Curtin. Here's your preview of who's getting the minutes and what to expect from the Union attack this season.
Forwards:
Clear starter: C.J. Sapong
Impact substitute: Cory Burke
Rogue starter for Open Cup matches/eventual rematch against Swansea: Jay Simpson
When faced with potentially losing his starting job last season, C.J. Sapong stood up and made it known that the 29-year old striker was not going to be denied in front of net early and often. Netting 16 goals last season, the most by any American player and 9th best league-wide, has all but cemented his place at the forefront of the Union attack. What makes this season all the more promising for Sapong up top is the fact that defenses will no longer be able to shadow the brooding striker consistently throughout the course of a game.
As the third-most fouled player in MLS last season, Sapong's strong holdup play led to him being swarmed and clobbered by opposing defense. But with a shiny new weapon in David Accam on the wing and Borek Dockal floating just behind him, C.J. will be able to lurk into positions much easier with play not completely focusing around him for a full 90 minutes. Behind him on the depth chart is Bethlehem Steel standout Cory Burke, who helped the USL team reach their first playoff appearance with his 9 goals in 25 appearances last season. The Jamaican international has shown promising development in his 2018 preseason with the Union first team, netting four goals and quickly making a name for himself in Jim Curtin's eyes.
The 25-year old Burke will be exciting to watch this season given that the core of the wing depth are players he has previous experience with during his time playing for Steel. He looks to be the most viable option for the Union should Sapong not be available. While Jay Simpson appears to not much more than an outlet of support for his squad. He'll get his appearances when absolutely needed, but if the youth movement really is on in Philadelphia, expect to see more of Burke or another Steel youngster before the English forward gets his chance.
Wingers
Consistent starter: David Accam
Starter until proven otherwise: Fafa Picault
Impact substitute until proven otherwise: Fabian Herbers
Young impact substitute with high ceiling but much to prove: Marcus Epps & Eric Ayuk
Situational off-the-bench marketing strategist for nutmeg clips, skill moves and Brazilian flair: Ilsinho
Ilsinho, Haris, and CJ have been crushing MLS Fantasy recently
Who you need on your squad this weekend: https://t.co/GE4wCYKzF9 pic.twitter.com/uMa6EkLdqE
— Philadelphia Union (@PhilaUnion) August 10, 2017
Philadelphia's other big acquisition of 2018 came in the form of Chicago Fire winger, David Accam. Simply put, the man is a problem for opposing defenders with his blistering speed, vision from the wing and ability to finish chances on the run. Accam has netted double digit goals in 2 of his 3 MLS seasons, including a career high 14 goals and six assists in 2017. No question he, alongside the equally speedy Fafa Picault, will allow for Philadelphia to stretch defenses thin over the top and down the wing. In his first season with the Union, the American-born winger scored seven goals and tallied three assists while creating a plethora of other chances down the sidelines. Should Picault rectify his finishing touch ability, him and Accam will prove to be nightmarish for the Philadelphia attack.
Despite this being the ideal tandem on either side of C.J. Sapong up top, there are other viable options on the bench that Philadelphia have at their disposal. After an injury-ridden campaign in 2017, Fabian Herbers is looking to rediscover the form that had him as a top-5 candidate for MLS Rookie of the Year in 2016. While his desired position has always been presented as a gray area, having prime Herbers working down the right side with Keegan Rosenberry behind him has proven to be lethal at times. Also "waiting in the wings" are Marcus Epps and Eric Ayuk who both have unique skill sets that Philadelphia value very highly. Aggressive, speedy and able to attack defender one-on-one with dribbling technique, both Epps and Ayuk will likely rotate in and out of Bethlehem Steel given the need to consistently get these young talents onto the field. However, either of them have the skills needed to cement a consistent substitute role in this Union squad given their high ceiling.
One man who will certainly hope to get his chances this season are none other than fan favorite for everything except shooting ability, age, speed and consistency is Ilsinho. The 32-year old Brazilian midfielder has captivated Union fans with his quick feet and skill moves over the past two years, but the youthful revolution has seen his appeal come in limited stretches that has left him as almost an afterthought going into 2018. "Skillsinho" will have his chances to wear down tired fullbacks late in games, but all indicators show that the wing positions are all but set in stone; especially taking into account that newly acquired Borek Dockal is rather proficient on the wing as well as in the center of the field.
This attacking core has a lot to prove and learn together if they are going to get Philadelphia into the playoffs. With the eastern conference looking more and more lethal each day, the transition time for success will have to be swift for the Union to make some noise in the regular season. But given the pieces they have and the chemistry exhibited by Philadelphia players in recent weeks, we may only have to wait a couple more days to see the fruits of their labor pay off in the form of a truly scary offense.
