Union Fans
Still looking for second win, Union host table topping DC
John Bancroft Union Beat Writer
For the Philadelphia Union it is just not getting any easier. And as bad as things have been especially with the past week’s rout in Vancouver fresh in everyone’s mind thing look bleak again this week with the loss of Fernando Aristeguieta and Richie Marquez. So it’s odd to even consider there may just be a silver lining to all of this.
This season has started as it’s being “Born Under A Bad Sign”. And with that there are lots of folks that throw up their hands in exasperation and want heads to roll. So be the blame game
Despite a lousy start and 4 straight loses it is still early in the season. You should not count the Union out by any stretch of the imagination. There are a lot of players that could use the playing time instead of riding the pine. This might just be the right time to give them a chance to change the luck and it’s sometimes better to be lucky than to be good.
The team is pressing and not having too much fun. Trying to get players back from injuries and bringing team chemistry back together hasn’t been easy. It might be time for a shift in the line up. Certainly Jim Curtin has a lot to consider going into another Eastern Division game against a very good D.C. United
There’s a lot of pressure on the regulars to perform. It could be time to give the guys that don’t get a chance to step in and step up. .
Curtin ideally wants it to start – defensively and once again the back line is going to be re-shuffled. With Richie Marquez on red card suspension Curtin will be looking to Ethan White, Mo Edu, and hopefully Steve Vittoria with Brian Sylvestra likely the starting as goalkeeper.
The Union must convert in the attacking third and make the most of 18 yard box opportunities. Something they have not be able to do consistently. To win they must score and to do that they face the best defense in the league allowing just eight goals in 10 games for a league-best 0.80 goals against average.
Bill Hamid (above) arguably may be the best GK in MLS and has posted four shutouts leading the league in save percentage (minimum of 10 shots faced). He is potentially on his way to joining the U.S. Men’s National Team for the upcoming 2015 Gold Cup
The Union back line will need more help with midfield coming back to pick up. Look for Le Toux to start. D.C. United has some dangerous men; Chris Rolfe, Fabian Espindola, Chris Pontius, Nick DeLeon, Luis Silva, all those guys can play and you have to beware of them. So the marking must be tight.
At the end of the day it’s all about heart and Hustle and who will step up out of the murk waters of frustration. After all, it’s the MLS and any game can go anyway so you just have to be prepared and come out to fight.
