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| (Photo: PhiladelphiaUnion.com) |
For the first time in 8 games the Philadelphia Union taste victory. In an uncharacteristic display of offense the Union scored 3 goals against a playoff caliber team in the Houston Dynamo. Even in a stranger twist Freddy Adu who is constantly on the outs with the fans scored a brace and Costa Rican youngster Josue Martinez netted the third goal.
The offense looked fluid and lively, they were able to create chances and unlike in past games they were able to net a goal in the first half. In past games the Union created chances and do not capitalize then they go into a funk where they become stagnant. Going with the theme of unconventional the Union gave up a goal which is not all that odd. But the way they reacted was out of Union character. Normally the Union let in a goal and the other team takes over but on Sunday they responded by continuing to play their game. They took the lead off an Adu PK and sealed the W with a Martinez tap in.
Freddy Adu who left the game in the 57th minute with a hamstring injury was the player of the game for me. Adu was a constant in the attack making threatening runs. Adu was a solid distributor making pass after pass. He was laying balls off creating other people opportunities. This is the Adu the Union expected. He needs to keep showing up like this. On a side note, I observed people on twitter saying that Adu should be benched for Jack Mac. Watch the first goal Adu scored, no way no how does McInerney score that goal. McInerney does not have the touch or dribbling skills to control the ball.
On a side note, the Union flexed defensive depth with switching out Gabe Farfan and starting Ray Gaddis. Gaddis has shown when given the chance he can play at the same level (if not better) then the Union starters. Farfan, who had a few tough weeks, needed a rest and I think starting Gaddis along with Williams adds a good amount of speed on the wing. Hopefully Hackworth continues this for the remainder of the season.
Houston who holds the last playoff spot and sit 16 points ahead of the Union take a big blow for their playoff hopes while the Union keep their slim hopes alive. Although I have ruled the playoffs out, the Union are still not mathematically eliminated. Philly would need to win out and hope other teams lose. No better time to start next season then right now though. It is never too soon for a young team to start producing.
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