New York City FC returns to MLS play on Sunday evening at Yankee Stadium against the Philadelphia Union. Philadelphia also went three-and-out in Leagues Cup, but had been in good form in MLS before the tournament began. Ahead of Sunday's match, New York Soccer Journal spoke with Jonathan Tannenwald of The Philadelphia Inquirer: Here is your NYCFC vs Philadelphia preview.
• Recent Form (All Comps): L-W-L-W-W
• Record: 4W, 4D, 10L | 16 points, 13th place
• Scoring Leader: Milan Iloski, 10 goals
• Assist Leader: Frankie Westfield, 4 assists
1. Ryan Richter is getting the job done
New York Soccer Journal: Philadelphia went into the World Cup break with seven points in 15 games, the worst tally in the league. But since returning from the break, with interim head coach Ryan Richter now at the helm, the Union won all three league games before the Leagues Cup pause. What has Richter done to turn things around in Chester?
Jonathan Tannenwald: It's easy to say "not be Bradley Carnell," but I think that's part of it. He has brought a breath of fresh air to the locker room, and released some of the internal tension that came with Carnell's intense manner.
2. Cavan Sullivan is the real deal
NYSJ: Cavan Sullivan has taken the headlines recently, as the 16-year-old has started the Union’s past seven games and got a goal and an assist in the win over Necaxa. What have you seen from his rapid development over the past few seasons?
