Last weekend I was writing about how this Union team needed a strong response after getting knocked out of the Open Cup.The Union created 27 shots agaisnt the Red Bulls but only scored once and lost in penalties to the Red Bulls. I was about 900 words in, going on and on about finishing chances, when I decided to stop writing. I deleted what I had, and decided to wait to see how the Union would respond to their gut wrenching defeat. The Union’s response after their Open Cup defeat shows fans that they are still alive.
With major pieces missing for NE, and union needing a bounce back, this match is crucial to a successful 2017 for PHI.
— Tim Lovenguth (@Tim_Lovenguth) July 2, 2017
The Union responded to the US Open Cup loss by beating New England Revolution 3-0. The effort showed fans that this team is not dead yet, and that there is a lot of season left. We have just reached the halfway point of the season, and this past game might have provided the spark Philly needed.
…a response is needed after USOC. A loss will make fans think 2017 is over, a win will help fans realize that there's a lot of season left
— Tim Lovenguth (@Tim_Lovenguth) July 2, 2017
An early first half goal creates structural issues:
HT: @BigAfrika88's goal from the spot is the difference as @PhilaUnion head into the break with the lead. #PHIvNE https://t.co/tdIjc73m9s
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) July 2, 2017
The match started out awkwardly for both sides. A handball in the box for New England helped Philly find the very early lead. CJ Sapong stepped up and put the Union ahead in the 3rd minute. The rest of the first half was back and forth play. Philly had trouble maintaining attacking play. Build up play was missing the final pass; long runs would end with turnovers. The Revs had a few chances to tie the match in the first half, because of structural issues. The Union were lucky to go into the half with the lead.
An early second half goal shows a fix for attacking play:
They're #Doop-in again.
Ilsinho gives @PhilaUnion more to cheer about with a great take. #PHIvNE https://t.co/ZyBfRtFIKn
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) July 2, 2017
The second half was much cleaner for the Union. They looked comfortable with possession, and showed purpose. Adding a second goal early in the second half provided a blueprint for their success. A long ball from Haris Medunjanin found the foot of Fafa Picault. He was being chased down so he flicked the ball into the box towards a streaking Ilsinho. The Brazilian took a first time shot that flew over the keeper and into the top left corner of the net.
The Union have been missing good attacking play from their number 10’s this season. Roland Alberg showed he could score from that spot earlier in the season, and in the US Open Cup loss against the Red Bulls. Ilsinho stepped up and showed he can create chances as well agaisnt New England. His ability to take that type of shot one time is what the Union have been missing. He also has a flair for the brilliant final pass. The problem is, is that when he has a bad game, it is noticeable. The same goes for Roland Alberg. Against New England, Ilsinho did well in the 10 spot, and so Did Roland Alberg.
Alberg and Ilsinho are both hot, can they be on the field together?:
SUPERSUB @rolandalberg.
What a hit from the @PhilaUnion man seconds after entering the game. https://t.co/wgt0w7zwhE
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) July 2, 2017
Alberg scored the late equalizer for the Union to force extra time in their US Open Cup loss, and scored four seconds after being subbed on vs New England. His effort was an audacious one. He demanded the ball from Medunjanin, and had enough space to hit a 30 yard shot. He tagged it and it was perfect; flying past the keeper into the top right corner.
The Union now have Alberg and Ilsinho playing well, the question is who is best at the 10, and could they both play at the same time. Right now it seems like the Union are leaning towards starting Alberg at the 10. In his post game press conference, Jim Curtin said Alberg was pissed about not starting against New England. “He showed me” Curtin said about Alberg’s quick goal. As for both Alberg and Ilsinho, they can easily be on the field at the same time.
“I like to play. Don’t care where. ” This quote was from Ilsinho’s post game interview. He just want’s to be on the field, so moving him from the 10 shouldn’t be an issue. An opportunity for both to play could come as soon as the next few weeks. Chris Pontius was just called up to the USMNT for the Gold Cup, Ilsinho could easily slide into the right-wing role, where he played last season. Having both hot players on the field at the same time could provide quite the offensive spike in games that are now very crucial.
Union’s response after their Open Cup defeat shows positives moving forward:
Beating New England 3-0 after losing in a midweek 120 minute PK loss, shows that this team is committed to having a successful season. The Union are in a chase for a playoff spot, which would constitute success in 2017. To do this they will need to play well. This is where Philly sat after winning this past Sunday:
Eastern Conference standings after Week 18. Union still in decent position with games in hand. pic.twitter.com/eYRJGeSOJY
— The Union Soccer Podcast (@UnionSoccerPod) July 3, 2017
Only three points out of a playoff spot, and games in hand on the teams above them should give Union fans a lot of confidence. The only problem is the Union need to keep their momentum moving into this interesting, and tough stretch during the Gold Cup. With teams missing players, and a lot of MLS games being played in the coming weeks, the Union could gain ground while catching up to the other teams in games played. The problems will come if the Union cannot get good results through this Gold Cup stretch. The Union were sitting pretty after week 18. Week 19 kicked off last night, and here’s where the Union sit now:
After last nights @MLS games, the Union have to win just to keep pace with the teams above them. Lots of games in hand to catch up! #DOOP pic.twitter.com/S1KQzLfHuE
— Tim Lovenguth (@Tim_Lovenguth) July 5, 2017
The Union need to win to keep pace with the other eastern conference teams. What could help them is having two to three games in hand on the teams they’re competing with for playoff places. With that in mind, and four games in the next three weeks, the Union could gain ground on the rest of the east. Playing two of those games against Columbus could really get things moving the Union’s way. Taking care of business against a depleted SKC team tomorrow, battling a Montreal team next week, and taking at least four points from a home and away against Columbus could help the Union get over the red line.
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Follow me on twitter @TGing21 for Soccer Twitter fun! Coming soon: How the Union can end SKC’s home winning streak, a look at all of MLS at the halfway point, and a look ahead to the US’s Gold Cup campaign. Also, be on the look out for the first Inside the River End Podcast coming soon; some delays have pushed our debut back, but the first pod is in the works! Until then, peace out!
Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
