The last time these two clubs met, back in June, the Philadelphia Union were in first place in the Eastern Conference.



Now, first place is at stake when Sporting Kansas City host Philadelphia Friday, beginning with the pre-game show at 8 p.m. on FOX Soccer.



Both teams currently trail first-place Columbus, so a win by either side will put them on top of the conference, at least for a day. Columbus can change the standings again on Saturday when they host Los Angeles.



Philadelphia will have to make a change or two from last week's lineup that produced a 1-0 victory over the Crew. Right back Sheanon Williams will miss this game, as he is out with a concussion. You could see Michael Farfan in that spot, or someone else if manager Peter Nowak wants to keep Farfan in the midfield where he played well last week.



The Union will miss some continuity, some speed, and some long throw-ins, with Williams on the sideline.



The key to the game for me is on the defensive side of the ball. If the Union play defensively like they have for the past two games, then young goalkeeper Zac MacMath might not be tested. If the defense falters against a good

attacking side at home, then it will be up to the rookie keeper to keep the Union in the game and give them a chance for points.



Sporting Kansas City is led by a three-pronged attack that includes Kei Kamara (8 goals), Omar Bravo (8) and Teal Bunbury (7). Then, for good measure, you can add to the mix quality players like Graham Zusi, C.J. Sapong, and Davy Arnaud.



MacMath will face his toughest challenge as a starter on Friday. Besides this being his first road start, this is the best offense that he will have faced since taking over for the injured Faryd Mondragon. This is a balanced attack that has some speed, size, and game-breaking players. There is not one specific player to watch.

Right now, results are going Philadelphia’s way in terms of the teams behind them. Wednesday, the Red Bulls lost to Real Salt Lake, while DC United managed just one point in a home draw. Taking it one step further, possible wild card entrant Portland also picked up just one point on Wednesday. While those scores help Philadelphia, this is the time to help themselves.



If you win or draw versus SKC, you are getting on a bit of a roll at the right time. If you lose, you’re still stuck in a tough spot with five games to go, three on the road.



Friday’s game for now is about first place. A convincing performance might tell us what to expect the rest of the way.



Hope you will join us on Soccer Night in America, Friday on FOX.