Sending the Loons Sailing
Philadelphia follows up their stellar performance against Portland with a comfortable win against Minnesota.
With the Union riding high after the Portland victory (some would call it a miracle, which I don't subscribe to), many wondered what would follow.
With eight players returning from international duty, the most by one team in MLS this window, Curtin and his staff had their hands full with planning and preparation to compete and, eventually (spoilers), defeat a good Minnesota team that, at the start of the match, was first in the West.
Ahead of the match, Curtin spoke about the victory against Portland one last time and how important that victory was not just for morale within the team, but also for the fanbase and press.
"We were on a fine line. We had good performances in the Champions Cup, obviously one very bad performance in the Champions Cup. We were unbeaten in the league, but needed that first win... I think it is important in this league; we have been away for three games, to finally come home, to protect home field is important, but also to be tough to play against and not get beaten during the course of the season is something that we take pride in. It was a huge confidence builder to go to Portland against a very talented group, neutralize them for 90 minutes, and score three really good goals and do it in the way that I thought was 'us.'
A reminder to the group is, it doesn't matter who is injured, who is away with the national team, let's play our way, execute on the field."
On the other side of the equation, Eric Ramsay, fresh to MLS with only one game under his managerial record with Minnesota, spoke about the Union and how he and his team could have a chance at what has been dubbed a “fortress” regarding Subaru Park in Chester.
Ramsay shared:
"They are a really difficult team to play against, particularly at home. They are strong, physical, attack in a very direct way with the front two that can really hurt teams, and cross very early. As I said earlier in the week, it will be up to us to stand up to the physical battle because that will be definitive as to how successful we will be there."
One last quip, not because it is insightful, but rather just full-on comedy. Ramsay is very new to this league, and he is probably still learning quite a bit about the league and the personalities that make it up.
Ahead of Saturday's match against Philadelphia, he was asked about Jim Curtin's fashion style and if he would try to compete with him.
Onto the match. Here is how both squads lined up for the midday battle:
As expected, Curtin reassembled what would be his number-one selection, with the missing internationals picking back up where they left off.
Minnesota-wise, the absence of Reynoso makes this a very different team, with the Argentine out sorting out the details of his green card.
Additionally, Padelford is a bit out of position, typically playing as a left-back but as a center-back on the day.
The match started with Minnesota on the gas, making sure to make it known that they came to play and leave with at least a point.
However, that did not last too long, as Daniel Gazdag cleaned up a messy cross and poor defending by Minnesota.
Whether you realize it or not, or want to even admit it, Daniel is creeping up on the record held by Le Toux for regular-season goals, now only needing seven to match the Frenchman.
As the game continued, one could tell that the Union were going to take this without much effort needed, as the team continued to carry the momentum of the match, barring some chances that, as always, Andre Blake is there to clean up.
In the late stages of the game, Carranza added to his tally thanks to an assist by the captain (and some dodgy defending by the Minnesota defense).
However, this game was very close to becoming a three or four-goal affair, with Jack McGlynn being involved and almost netting a goal and an assist.
After the game, Eric Ramsay spoke to the Minnesota press, though, I must admit, I don’t really think he was aware of what he was saying in this clip, blaming the international break and his team having players away for the reason they were flat. Can’t make it up.
"We looked like a group that came together late in the week given the internationals that came back. We looked a little bit flat and lifeless, some would say. I think it feels, still a game, that we had enough chances to have won or at least taken something from. So it wasn't without its moments. It did, in general, look like a performance in which we were flat and lacking the same level of energy that we had up until this point."
Additionally, the manager also spoke about the goals conceded on the day.
"The disappointing thing is, as good a side as they are with the front players that they have and all the ways that you would prepare to stop their typical threats, the goals that we conceded weren't classic goals in any way. That's frustrating because, I think, despite the fact that we weren't at our best, we did look like we were lacking some energy. I do feel like, had we tightened up on what were basic things, we would not have found ourselves in the position we were in."
Again, it's always nice to see when PR departments of teams bring out players for the press during away matches. Against the Union, Devin Padelford had to do something that the Union defenders are all too used to: play out of position.
However, the American did not lean on that to explain the reason for the loss, and interestingly enough, it seems like he was not in agreement with his head coach, Eric Ramsay, on the assessment.
Here is what he had to say:
"I think it is tough with the guys getting back. Some guys Thursday, some Friday. We have been doing this long enough, and that really shouldn't be an excuse. That hurts us a little bit, but I don't think that was the key for what was the problem.
They were really direct. They stick to their system and came out ready to play.
I don't think things were terrible. Just two big mistakes that can't happen. One on a set piece and one on open play, miscommunication. Two mistakes that, if we clean up, we will be alright."
Curtin took the stand to address the press, where he touched on a variety of topics.
First and most importantly, he addressed the reasoning for Blake's early departure from the match:
Elliott, on the day, was my choice for man of the match. He was everywhere and made key blocks throughout the match.
Curtin agreed on how well the 6'6" defender played. Here is what Jim shared with me when I asked him about Elliott's performance:
"Elliott was really solid... Jack got his foot on, I feel like, fifteen balls today that if he is a split second late, we are in big trouble and it is a breakaway for them. He made a lot of big plays, he is very cerebral back there. Faster than people realize when he gets going with those long legs. He did a great job for us."
Finally, Curtin spoke about Bedoya, his role, his leadership, and what he brings to the club as he continues to impress in his new role:
"He takes information, calms us down, draws fouls, wins balls, gets an assist. He is a winner; he embodies what this club is about. If I could create the perfect player for what we stand for as a club—humble, hungry, wanting to win everything—he is that special person and player. Yes, he has embraced his new role, but I don't want to talk about him like he can't be a 90-minute starter. He still is that and can dominate games like you saw against Portland."
That about wraps it up. The Union remain unbeaten in MLS, but head away to Nashville next weekend to take on a Nashville SC club that drew against Columbus this past weekend and lost to LAFC two weeks ago.
Bonus:
What is it like to be part of the Philadelphia Union Academy?
With all the excitement surrounding a certain 14-year-old academy player who has a brother on the first team, many are wondering what it is like to be a part of the Union Academy. Fortunately, Quinn Sullivan joined the Box to Box show on the CBS Golazo Network yesterday and was asked about this very topic:
"The academy was vital to me. The pathway is clear, but the school is also important, as well as YSC Academy. The culture that we built, having a really similar system, but the clear ideal all the way down from the U-12 all the way up to the first team, is important. Maintaining those ideals and building them throughout your academy years is important, and I was fortunate enough to start young."
On what a typical day is like for an Academy player, Sullivan shared:
"We start off with training at around 8:30 A.M., depending on your age group. That is either a more technical session or, once you get to the U-17 year, that's when your team session is. Then you shower and head over to school. You are able to snack... then you have your core classes, which are as strict as the soccer is. It is super important; people value it. Then you head to a second session in the afternoon. If you are a younger player, that's when your team session is going to be because fewer kids go to the school, but the U-17s can range from a lift to another technical session."
Lowe has equaled Lowe
Went under the radar but a HUGE congratulations to Damion Lowe.
He has matched the number of appearances for Jamaica that his father, Onandi Lowe, achieved.
He will have the opportunity to surpass that figure on June 6th against the Dominican Republic in World Cup Qualifying.
International break wrap up
With the international break behind us, here's how the Union players fared:
Gazdag for Hungary: Unused sub against Turkey (win), 45 minutes against Kosovo (win).
Blake for Jamaica: 120 minutes against USA (loss), 90 minutes against Panama (win).
Lowe for Jamaica: 120 minutes against USA (loss), 90 minutes against Panama (win).
Baribo for Israel: Unused sub against Iceland.
Martínez for Venezuela: 78 minutes against Italy, unused sub against Guatemala.
Bueno for Venezuela: Unused sub against Italy, unused sub against Guatemala, 60-minute (?) scrimmage against Houston Dynamo reserves.
McGlynn for USA Olympics: 63 minutes against Guinea (win), 18 minutes against France (draw and assist(?)).
Harriel for USA Olympics: 75 minutes against Guinea (win and goal), 18 minutes against France (draw).
Video Courtesy: APPLE/MLS, Philadelphia Union, Minnesota United, CBS Sports