On Saturday the Union traveled to the newly named Providence Park to face the Portland Timbers for their first game of the 2014 season. The game ended in a 1-1 draw but the final score does not reflect the Union’s performance.
Throughout the game the Union displayed a new and different style of play; one with consistent perseverance, creativity, and sensational offensive pressure. The new additions proved their significance and the team was undeniably deserving of a win.
Early on, it was evident that this was not the same team we saw last year, who failed to earn a playoff position. They were a more possession oriented team and made smart moves on and off the ball. The team had chemistry and worked cohesively to create chances.
The first big chance for the Union came in the 18th minute. The buildup of the play started with a pass from Ray Gaddis to Sebastien Le Toux in the upper third of the field. Le Toux then flicked the ball to Maurice Edu who was making a run into the box. Edu then took it up field and laid it off to Jack McInerney who was in the center of the box. The ball was deflected off Timbers’ defender Norberto Paparatto right into Cristian Maidana who controlled the ball and turned with ease around Diego Chara, giving himself time and space to shoot. Donovan Ricketts made a stunning save to prevent Maidana from scoring and punched the ball out of the net straight to Le Toux who fired another shot on goal just above the crossbar.
The second serious chance for the Union was in the 32nd minute. Maidana sent a long ball upfield to McInerney who was curling in towards goal. McInerney took it into the box and chipped the ball right over Ricketts, just nearly into goal but Paparatto made a goal line clearance to keep Portland in the game.
A critical defensive save came from Austin Berry in the 52nd minute to avoid a Will Johnson goal. Diego Valeri was just outside the Union’s box when he sent a cross into Gaston Fernandez who one touched it wide to Michael Harrington. Harrington quickly crossed it in to Johnson. Decisively, Berry came in and made a slide tackle in the box to play the ball away from Johnson and out of danger.
Yet another incredible goal scoring opportunity came in the 62nd minute from Maidana. He was on the ball just outside of the box. With his technical footwork and speed he was able to move right past Will Johnson into open space. He took a low, hard shot on goal which Ricketts was able to push out of the goal just by his fingertips.
It wasn’t until the 65th minute when the Union were able to put the ball in the back of the net. Maidana was set to take a corner. He sent the ball directly to the middle of the box. Maurice Edu got his head on the ball and sent it to McInerney who was able to push the ball into goal giving the Union a 1-0 advantage.
There wasn’t much action in the game until the 93rd minute when Portland was able to equalize. Up into the last minutes of the game, the Union were trying to keep possession of the ball with short passes back and forth. Brian Carroll made a costly mistake in the 92nd minute. Instead of making a safe pass to a nearby player Carroll booted the ball upfield right into Portland’s possession. Desperate for a goal, the Timbers worked the ball up the field and were eventually awarded a corner. The Union defense failed to organize in time and the back post was left wide open. Johnson sent the ball into Fernandez who headed the ball into the back of the net in the last minute of play.
So although the game ended in a tie and the Union leave Portland with only one point the team looked incredible the entire game. It was clear that they were the better team. Even with the absence of Sheanon Williams due to injury, the defense was tight and made it very difficult for the Timbers’ attack to get through. Amobi Okugo, like always, played a thorough game and let very few players get behind him. He made crucial defensive blocks to keep the Union in the game. Also a standout in the defense was the Union’s newest member, Austin Berry. Berry has only been practicing with the team for a few weeks and it is already obvious he will be a key asset to the team in the upcoming season. He also made a number of vital defensive moves. Other standouts of the game were the Union’s midfield consisting of Maurice Edu, Cristian Maidana, and Vincent Nogueira. Maidana and Nogueira were especially impressive. Both linked together well as if they had been playing alongside one another for years. They were extremely active in creating opportunities. In fact Maidana was able to create goal scoring chances for himself. As a whole the midfield were able to recover the ball after they had lost it as well. Last year set pieces seemed to be a major problem for the Union, which is not the case anymore.
Looking forward, earning a point against one of the best teams in the league is not a bad way to start the season. The Union look as if they are going to be a tough team to play against in the upcoming season. I think they’ll definitely be in contention for a playoff position as well. 2014 seems like a promising season for the Union.
(image courtesy of Don Ryan/AP Photo)
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