RBNY MLS Fantasy Scouting Report: Philadelphia Union

The Philadelphia Union have had the New York Red Bulls' number this season.  They defeated RBNY in PKs during the US Open Cup quarterfinals last week, and they beat them at RBA for the first time ever 10 weeks ago.  The Red Bulls will look to get back into second place in the East, but will have to overcome Jim Curtin's Union who have been a thorn in their side.  Here's who they'll have to contend with:

Goalkeepers... The Union could be facing an interesting (good) situation between the sticks.  Brian Sylvestre (47 points) has played in all 11 league matches since being acquired by the Union.  Almost half (five) of his games have been clean sheets, including his Week 12 match against RBNY.  However, John McCarthy (14 points) has been playing out of his mind during US Open Cup.  Two of the Union's three USOC games have gone to PKs.  McCarthy made three consecutive saves against the Rochester Rhinos and a save on Lloyd Sam to seal a victory against RBNY.  Sylvestre probably gets the start, but I wouldn't be surprised if McCarthy appeared in the XI.

Fabio Alves "Fabinho" (DEF, 59 points; 4 clean sheets, 2 assists): Fabinho is the Union's top fantasy defenseman, despite missing seven games.  Philly has been hot and cold on defense the last few games, but have been pretty effective against RBNY.  The Union lead the league in Goals Against (37) and losses (12).

Cristian Maidana (MID, 103 points; 1 goal, 10 assists): Maidana has really upped his game.  Out of his ten assists, nine have been in his last ten games, including two against RBNY.  The midfielders will have to stay close to him so he can't distribute through balls to the attackers.

CJ Sapong (FWD, 71 points; 7 goals, 3 assists): Sapong was traded from Sporting Kansas City in the offseason and has paid dividends for Philly.  He already has more goals this season then he did for SKC in 2013 and 2014 combined.  He is responsible for a quarter of Philly's goals this season.