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Philadelphia welcomes New England to PPL Park

Oct 5, 2012 - 8:07 PM Chester, PA (Sports Network) - The Philadelphia Union were eliminated from the postseason race last weekend, but that did not stop them from making an impact on the Eastern Conference race this week.

After a huge win over the Chicago Fire on Wednesday, the Union will try to get another late-season win to build toward next season when they welcome the New England Revolution to PPL Park on Saturday.

Philadelphia (9-15-6) traveled to Chicago with nothing to play for Wednesday, but rolled to a 3-1 win over the Fire at Toyota Park. Jack McInerney, Gabriel Gomez and Antoine Hoppenot scored in just the third road win this season.

"I love the character of these guys," Union manager John Hackworth said. "When they perform like this when there's literally nothing for them to play for in the league, you see how much character they have. And that's just awesome."

The Union managed the result with Freddy Adu and Gabriel Farfan sidelined with injuries, making the win even more impressive.

With four matches remaining this season, the squad can end on a high note with a strong finish. Philadelphia has a four-point cushion over New England in the eighth spot in the East.

And after the match against New England, the Union play the Houston Dynamo, Sporting Kansas City and Red Bull New York, three probable playoff teams. So even though their postseason hopes have vanished, they could impact the table.

Chicago wasted a chance to go three points clear of New York in second and the Union will try to secure their place in the standings against New England.

New England (7-16-8) is just 1-12-3 on the road, but sit seven points clear of last-place Toronto FC with three matches remaining.

Although the Revolution have nothing to play for this week, a win would secure at least ninth place and position the club for a run at eighth late this year.