The Basics
Philadelphia Union (5-11-5, 20 points, seventh place in MLS Eastern Conference) vs. Chivas de Guadalajara (1-1-2, 5 points, fifth in Group 1 of Mexico's Primera División) at PPL Park in Chester, Pa.
TV Info
9 p.m. ET, Galavisión (one-hour delay)
Game Intro
The Philadelphia Union will welcome another big-name international club team to PPL Park on Wednesday as Mexican giants Chivas de Guadalajara come to town. Previously, the Union played Manchester United and Celtic.
In the middle of their MLS campaign, the Union are looking to gain vital experience and exposure to new types of football when they take the field against one of Mexico's most successful – and popular – teams.
Chivas, who just initiated their Mexican league campaign in an unimpressive manner, will hope this match kick-starts an offense that is currently last in goals scored in the Apertura 2010.
Philadelphia Union
The Union are fresh off one of their biggest wins of the season – a dramatic come-from-behind 2-1 road victory over the New England Revolution – and momentum is high. They played very well to come back in the match and should be pleased with the result as it took a lot of work to get it, despite being up a man for a little more than an half.
Chivas de Guadalajara
It’s been a mixed start to the Mexican Apertura for Chivas so far this season. Playing just four of a possible six fixtures due to Copa Libertadores duties, the Goats have only managed one win from those matches, with two draws and a loss. Not exactly the way the 11-time Mexican champions wanted to get their campaign going.
Heroes & Villains
Danny Califf vs. Omar Bravo: Two of the bigger names on the international scene, Bravo will likely be seeing a lot of Union defender Califf in the next few years as the 30-year-old Chivas idol has signed with the Kansas City Wizards as their Designated Player starting next season. It will be interesting to see how Califf handles Bravo, who is on the small side (he’s only 5-foot-6) and could cause some problems for Philadelphia’s captain with his speed and elusiveness.
Stat That Makes You Go “Hmm...”
The Union's Sebastien Le Toux has registered 36 shots on goal for his club this season. That’s three times more than Danny Mwanga’s 12.
