Photo: Philadelphia Union
by John Bancroft
Photos by Diego Muya
Saturday May 2, 2015 Philadelphia hosted Eastern Conference rivals Toronto FC and they were seeking a victory to break the current losing slide. But Sebastian Giovinco had other ideas and his free kick was enough to cap a TFC victory 1-0.
Here is how each Union player fared:
John McCarthy 6.5 The young Union goalkeeper responded well to the TFC attack and made a great save in the first half denying Robbie Findley a wide open shot. McCarthy still needs work. His aggressive nature is good but often misplaced.
McCarthy beaten by Giovinco free kick
Michael Lahoud 6.0 An early quad strain took him out of the game and he was replaced by Richie Marquez (See also Richie Marquez in Subs).
Sheanon Williams 6.5 Solid on the defending end and coming forward misses making the connection with teammates on the attack.
Ethan White 6.5 White got caught short but could be effective with a more vocal and experienced GK providing some guidance in the back
Raymon Gaddis 6.0 A player with speed that moves forward well creating space but his yellow card is a diagnostic to an otherwise mediocre contribution.
Cristian Maidana 7.5 You can’t fault Maidana’s play. He plays with his head up looking into space for opportunities. He had a great shot which found crossbar after a pass from Williams and served up a great ball to Aristaguieta and was rewarded by an offside call against Aristaguieta for his effort.
Chaco take free kick
Maurice Edu 7.0 He was moved to from the back line to midfield after the Lahoud injury. Maurice plays strong when he commits to moving forward. Although he is stronger when he comes from the defensive side on the attack he continues to be one of the mainstays of the Union game.
Andrew Wenger 6.0 The ex-Impact forward as not been a contributing factor at midfield and is still plagued by his indecisiveness.
Zach Pfeffer 7.0 Zach is a contributor at midfield. His age and enthusiasm make him someone one that adds value to the starting 11. But he needs to bring more if the Union are to break their slump.
Eric Ayuk 6.0 Another player with speed and wile on the attack, but his lack of finish going forward cancels out the positives
Fernando Aristaguieta 6.5 Hard at work as usual, but unable to find the back of the net in the box. Missed the best chance of the day when he got caught offside on a great service from Chaco Maidana
Aristguiesta goes up for header
Subs:
Richie Marquez 7.5 A standout performance from Marquez coming off the bench to replace Michael LaHoud in the 5th minute of the first half. He was effective in holding off the TFC attack and kept Jozy Altidore at bay.
Richie Marquez Defends Michael Bradley
Conor Casey 7.0 Conor subbed in late. Always dangerous off the bench. His ability to poach and stay strong in the middle set up opportunities but with a TFC defense stacked in the middle and without a wide attack to open the middle Casey is just another big body. He is most effective when in the box.
Sebastian La Toux 6.0 Off the bench was not very effective at creating chances. When he drops back too far on defensive it takes away from the Union attack.
