A depleted Philadelphia Union discovered its goal-scoring form in a 3-0 victory over the Columbus Crew on Saturday night at Talen Energy Stadium.
Andre Blake, Warren Creavalle and Cory Burke were among the starters from last week who were unavailable on international duty, while Derrick Jones and Matthew Real were called to represent the U.S. U-23 and U-20 teams respectively.
Injuries to forwards Sergio Santos and Kacper Przybylko weakened the squad even more. With those seven players unavailable, the Union couldn’t dress a full 18, and only had five players available as substitutes.
“I was a week that was the most unique in my coaching career,” coach Jim Curtin said. “We had four or five squads prepared through the week hoping for the best scenario, we got the absolute worst scenario in terms of who we were missing.”
There was hope that recent acquisition, Jamiro Monteiro, would have finalized his international transfer paperwork, but it didn’t clear in time for him to make a debut.
It was just the morning before the game when Curtin and the Union found out the paperwork didn’t clear, and they would be without the new signing.
“I’m not going to talk a lot about that,” Curtin said. “I have a lot to say about it but I’m going to keep my mouth shut about the process and how it was handled.”
Curtin continued that the process was difficult for everyone, and praised his staff for professionalism through the saga.
The massive 3-0 win showed a determination in the Union squad, and an ability to overcome adversity against a Columbus team tied with the conference lead in points.
“Before the game started we talked about the 16 guys in this locker room doing whatever it takes to get three points tonight,” Curtin said. “It’s not about formations, it’s not about tactics, it’s about finding a way in our home stadium to get three points.”
Meanwhile, Marco Fabian’s suspension was confirmed to extend to two games on the Thursday afternoon before the match, meaning he was also unavailable.
Curtin had planned to have both players in the squad, and thus a full 18, but the two absences caused improvisation from the Union coach, who reverted back to a 4-2-3-1 from this year’s usual 4-4-2 diamond midfield.
David Accam was a benefactor of the ordeal, and had just one substitute appearance so far this season. He bagged a first half brace with goals in the 31st and 41st minute and provided an assist for Ilsinho’s second half goal.
The million-dollar signing from Chicago had just one goal in 2018, and bounced back after dealing with a hernia last year. With the brace he has already doubled that tally.
“Everything is in the past now,” Accam said. “I’m feeling much better than I was last year.”
Curtin has displayed his respect for Accam in the past, and might have to find a way to get the winger into more matches given his form.
“He’s gone through a lot on the field, off the field, injuries, things he can control, things he can’t control,” Curtin said. “For him to have a performance like tonight when we really needed it as a team was big time.”
“Credit to him because he put in a lot of work in the off season, coming back from injury,” Curtin said. “He just wants to reward the fans, reward his teammates and he did that tonight.”
Academy product Brenden Aaronson received his second start of the year, after scoring in Atlanta last week. The Union fielded four academy players on Saturday: Auston Trusy also started, while Anthony Fontana and Olivier Mbaizo came off the bench.
Aaronson and Ilsinho were substituted after suspected injuries. Later, Curtin confirmed that both were suffering from cramps and shouldn’t miss significant time.
Losing any player could have been catastrophic on Saturday, but the Union will be boosted by the return of the five players currently on international duty next week, as well as Jamiro Monteiro’s paperwork potentially clearing and the return of designated player Marco Fabian.
With the victory, the Union are level on points with the New York Red Bulls and FC Cincinnati with four and are in eighth on goal difference.
The Union visit newcomers Cincinnati next weekend, this time with a full 18-man roster. Given the performances from Saturday night, Jim Curtin will have a selection dilemma on his hands.
Columbus meanwhile is still in second with seven points and host Atlanta United next week.
