Another MEH-Formance?
The Union let their guard down for just two minutes, costing them a victory as they settled for a draw against Austin F.C.
The Philadelphia Union needed a result after the dreadful performance in Mexico, where they were embarrassed 6-0 at the hands of Pachuca.
However, after a much better start to the match, a mental lapse led to the team having to salvage a draw.
Ahead of the match, Josh Wolff, someone who is under the microscope of his own organization, had the difficult job of preparing to face a team that was just spanked 6-0, making this a “trap” game.
When asked about how he would approach the match against Philadelphia, Wolff shared:
"They are an experienced team. Jim is a good coach, and that team will be ready to play. We won't take a whole lot out of that result other than they are probably disappointed about getting bounced out of the Champions Cup...they got guys off the field rather quickly, they will be a fresh group, a motivated group. I don't pay a lot of attention to that result. I am sure they are disappointed, but we have to focus on the Philadelphia that we believe is going to come here with the players that they have and the way that they play."
Diego Rubio also commented on the upcoming match by sharing:
"Of course, we watch Philadelphia, but every game is different. I don't know the circumstances... Pachuca, how motivated they were. It is a new game. We know them, we respect them. We're not going to come like they lost 6-0 and we win this game easy."
Ahead of the game, however, the man that I really wanted to hear from was Curtin. During his press conference, he opened up by sharing the following:
"An unacceptable performance from the group, and as the leader, I take responsibility. It was a night that went wrong from the start. We should never get beaten by a team 6-0... Not a good representation of this group. I am fully confident that they will bounce back with a strong performance and look like us."
A strong message from him (at least on the “Curtin-meter”).
Here is what he shared on the message he communicated to the players after the Pachuca match:
"The players are together. They all understand and recognize that was not us. Sometimes you have games that go poorly, but you should never have a game where the scoreline is the way it is... The group recognizes the need to get back to basics. Doing the little things that make us a strong group... we got outcompeted, and that's usually not the case with this group. So, getting back to those basic principles that we always talk about, having healthy discussions, some good film, and then we move on. Look towards Austin."
Fast-forward to game day… here is how the sides lined up:
The game started off well for the Union and it was obvious that the team was ready to have a better display than what was done at Pachuca. Look no further than these two examples of a better-orchestrated press against Austin F.C.:
It wasn’t long until the Union broke the deadlock, albeit via a penalty kick awarded through VAR. Daniel Gazdag stepped up to the spot and converted it, something that he is used to doing and while at it, made a bit of Union history:
However, the Union fell asleep for about three minutes and that was enough for Austin to not only equalize but also go ahead on the night.
Not sure many had Uhre as the man to salvage a point, but he did.
After the match, Jim Curtin was available for his usual press conference. During his opening statement, Jim mentioned that this is the type of performance he wanted to see from the team:
"After a disappointing night on Tuesday, as an entire group, we challenged ourselves to stick together and have a good response. I thought we got that in the first half; I thought we looked like us. Statistically, when you go on the road, it's always hard to create chances, but overall, the transition that led to attempts on goal was very high this game. Shots on the road are hard to come by; we outshot our opponent, which is not easy. We had a lot of good chances. We played a really strong first half, but it's a good lesson; not letting that second goal in. When you let good teams hang around, they can make a play."
Unfortunately for Curtin, any type of forward momentum from this match will be put to a halt, as 10 players who could represent the Union against Portland next week will be gone to represent their national teams.
When I asked Curtin if he saw what he wanted to see from the eight players who are departing for international duty after tonight's match, especially after the tough result on Tuesday, Curtin shared:
"I did, and I said it in the pregame talk; 'Before we go away, let's have a real Union performance, where we look like ourselves.' Again, I'm not concerned if there are mistakes when we are on the field. I know we did not play the perfect game, but let's do it where we are not afraid. I know six yellow cards are probably too many, but it tells you we were at least up for the game. We were in their face, on the road, hostile environment, tough place to play... I think we bent but didn't break. Of course, we want to win every time we are on the field. I think those guys gave me everything... I know when you lose six to zero there is going to be naturally deserved noise from the outside, as there should be, and I thought they still gave a good response... Happy with them, they will go with the national team now, hopefully do well with their country and get back as soon as possible. We have missed the time training together on the field, all we have been doing is recovering, traveling, and being away from our families for 10 straight days."
Either way, a point on the road is good, but it feels like a missed opportunity considering the strong grip that the team had at the half. Curtin and company must now turn the page and prepare for Portland, well, minus the ten Union players that could have played.
Bonus:
Cavan Sullivan and His Future
Per Fabrizio Romano, it sounds like Cavan Sullivan and Manchester City have agreed on a deal. The young 14-year-old American starlet cannot, however, play or report for the English side until he is 18, so, it seems like City’s sister club Lommel of Belgium will be the first landing destination for the player. Lots to still be decided.
Union II Season and Home Opener
The Union II opened up their season on Sunday against Toronto FC II and it was a first for a few players of the first team. Berdecio, Pariano, and Ngabo all got their first official minutes for the Union II.
Fresh off his Union II deal and a call-up to represent the United States at the U-19 level, David Vazquez showed out. The young American opened up the Union II season against Toronto FC II as the player who completed the most dribbles, created the most chances, and won the most duels on the day. Additionally, he finished the match completing 76 percent of his passes and providing an assist to Westfield to level the match.
Video Credit: Philadelphia Union and MLS/Apple
Pretty amazing about Quinn's little brother!