The Union know, that to have any shot of sneaking into the playoffs, they'll need to find a way to pick off points on the road, especially against some of the league's lower-tier teams.
Consider Saturday a lost opportunity, then.
After earning a good 3-0 home win over Columbus on Wednesday, the Union couldn't keep it going with a disappointing 3-0 setback in New England over the weekend.
Here's a closer look at the past week and what lies ahead for the Union as their playoff hopes grow dimmer.
Three thoughts about Saturday's game
1. The Union had dominated the Revolution of late, winning their last three matchups by a combined score of 11-0 heading into Saturday's game, including a 3-0 home win earlier in the month. But the Union's road struggles were too much to overcome in this one as they fell to 1-7-3 away from home this season. And it's not just that the Union are losing on the road; they often look punchless in the attack and lacking any sort of ideas. It's a far cry from how they play at home, where they're a healthy 6-3-2 and have generated some fun and exciting moments along the way.
2. It was another eventful week for Roland Alberg, who got into an argument with C.J. Sapong over who would take a penalty kick in Wednesday's win a week after expressing displeasure at Fafa Picault on the field and getting suspended for a dangerous tackle. And while the Union downplayed the whole scene afterward, many wondered what kind of teammate Alberg might be. There's no way to know for sure about his status in the locker room, but it is fair to say that his chemistry on the field, particularly with Sapong, has been lacking. So has his production as Alberg failed to impose his will on Saturday's game from the vital No. 10 spot - a position that continues to be the team's most glaring need, either now or in the offseason.
3. The good news for the Union's future is that two of their 2017 draft picks - Marcus Epps and Jack Elliott - enjoyed good weeks with Epps scoring his first career goal Wednesday and Elliott making a phenomenal goal-line clearance, among other great defensive plays, Saturday. Considering both were picked after the first round, that's some good bang for the Union's buck. Of course, it makes sense why Philly fans may temper their expectations here considering the standout trio from the 2016 draft class - Joshua Yaro, Keegan Rosenberry and Fabian Herbers - followed promising rookie campaigns by being benched (either because of injury or inconsistent play) for most of 2017.
Three questions for the week ahead
1. After a brutal four-game-in-11-days stretch, the Union finally get a full week to prepare for their next one. Even more good news is that they get to play at home. The bad news is that the opponent is FC Dallas, one of the top teams in the Western Conference. Is it too soon to classify it as a "must win?" Perhaps. But considering how poor they've been on the road and how difficult their remaining schedule is, they really can't afford to lose or draw at Talen Energy Stadium at this point in the season.
2. Will Andre Blake return? The star goalkeeper has now missed five straight Union games due to the Gold Cup and a hand injury he suffered in the Gold Cup final. And while backup John McCarthy has played well in his absence, it's probably not a coincidence the Union are 1-3-1 in that stretch, given Blake's unique ability to win his team points. There's no sense rushing him back if he's not ready, but Blake returning to face an excellent FC Dallas attack in front of the Sons of Ben would provide a nice bolt of energy to a fan base that certainly needs one right now.
3. Remember Rosenberry? The reigning MLS Rookie of the Year runner-up was supplanted as the team's starting right back in April after playing every minute in 2016. And even the Union playing four games in 11 days wasn't enough for head coach Jim Curtin to give Rosenberry any minutes over the past two weeks. Considering the second-year right back also isn't getting time for affiliate Bethlehem Steel FC, it's fair to wonder how these past few months may or may not stall his development - and whether he still remains as big of a piece to the club's future as he seemed to be last year.
Stat of the week
In four road games in July - three losses and a draw - the Union finished with a combined eight shots on target.
Quote of the week
"For me, I think he's been the Rookie of the Year."
- Union head coach Jim Curtin on Jack Elliott after Saturday's game.
Player of the week
Although he was kept off the scoresheet in New England, Sapong's performance Wednesday was one of the best of any Union player this season as he scored his record 10th goal and added two fantastic assists.
