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There’s been a lull in the soccer world with both the Philadelphia Union and Philadelphia Union II off for the past two weeks but hopefully the break is what the team needs to ready themselves for a massively important final run of 7 games. DC United jumped ahead in the standings but the playoffs are still very much within reach heading into Saturday’s visit to Fort Lauderdale. But first Union II returns with a trip to Carolina on Wednesday.

In the email today:

1. ✂️ Union Have Work to Do

The Champions Cup was a disappointment, the U.S. Open Cup was taken off the table, third place in Leagues Cup slipped away and the regular season has been filled with lowlights not seen in Chester in quite some time.

In most other leagues in the world there wouldn’t be much reason to watch the Union play their remaining seven games - no push for a title at the top, no fight against relegation at the bottom - but in a league where too many teams make the playoffs the Union still have a chance.

A very good chance at that.

Playing the first place (possibly with Messi) and fifth place team in the conference away to start that 7-game stretch may not be the easiest route (especially with one of the games on a baseball diamond) but for a team that has played better on the road than home it might also not be the worst way either.

In addition to Inter Miami and NYCFC on the road, the Union have immensely important home games against fellow near-the-playoff line travelers Atlanta United and DC United before visiting playoff-bound Columbus and 7th place Orlando City. Decision Day will be a home clash against FC Cincinnati but hopefully by then the playoffs have already been decided with the Union holding the momentum of cruising into the postseason.

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2. 🐍 Union II Returns With Trip to Carolina

Union II will be back in action with a mid-week visit to play Carolina Core. As one of the top teams in MLS Next Pro this season, there is less concern about making the playoffs and more on how far the team can go.

Union II currently sit in second place in the Eastern Conference, two points behind FC Cincinnati II with a game in hand. They’ve already surpassed their highest point total in MLS Next Pro, reaching 43 points.

Carolina, playing their first season as a club, is in 10th place. Eight teams from each conference qualify for the Next Pro playoffs.

3. 🪜Tweet of the Day: How to Make the Playoffs

4. 💧 Water Cooler: Point Prediction

5. 🔗 Link Roundup

• Relive the New York Red Bulls match with Todd Lewis’s Goals Breakdown Video.

• The MLS Next season kicked off on Saturday and the score lines of some of the Union’s games aren’t exactly a great advertisement for the competitiveness of the league.

• Local Men’s College Soccer Notebook

• Local Women’s College Soccer Notebook

• Saint Joseph’s Prep and the Philly Soccer community is mourning the loss of legendary coach Jim Murray.

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